Mitchell Wayne Wilkinson

Mitchell Wayne Wilkinson, age 65, of Marble Hill, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on December 2, 2025. Mitchell was born on February 28, 1960, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at Southeast Hospital, to the late Eugene and Maxine (Fisher) Wilkinson. A proud leap year baby, Mitchell loved to joke that he was “only 11,” a saying that perfectly captured his humor and lighthearted spirit.

Mitchell grew up in Chaffee, Missouri, and moved to Bollinger County at the age of 11, where he built a life filled with faith, family, and friendship. He married the love of his life, Marcia (Hahn) Wilkinson, on April 3, 1984, in Brinkley, Arkansas. Together they shared over four decades of love, laughter, and devotion to their family and community.

He retired from Rubbermaid, where he worked as a mechanic. Outside of work, Mitchell’s greatest joys were found in time spent with his family. He had a deep love for horses, whether riding, trail rides, horse shows, or rodeos, and cherished taking his family along for every adventure. He also loved camping and swimming, creating countless memories outdoors with those he loved. A faithful member of New Salem Baptist Church for more than 43 years, Mitchell served selflessly by driving the church bus for over 30 years. Through that service, he and Marcia gained many “bus kids,” whom they loved and treated as their very own. They were also well known for hosting Halloween hayrides, welcoming children and families with open arms and joyful hearts.

Mitchell was a loving and devoted husband and father, and nothing meant more to him than time spent with his family. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone, anywhere, no matter the circumstances or what state he found himself in. Known for his gift of conversation, quick wit, and friendly nature, simple trips to the store often turned into long chats with new friends. In quieter moments, Mitchell enjoyed watching westerns, especially favorites like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Gunsmoke, though he made it clear he was not a fan of The Rifleman.

Mitchell is survived by his loving wife, Marcia Wilkinson; his children, Bobbie (Larry) Smith of Scopus, MO, Ashley (Ryan Choate) Wilkinson of Beaumont, TX, Ashley (Rob) Freimuth of Spencerville, IN, Justin (Julie) Wilkinson of Marble Hill, MO, and Randy (Leanna) Holloway of Hamilton, IN; sisters, Kaye (Kenny) Brown, Tina (Mike) Kelly, and Sharon (Bill) Crader; brother, Larry Wilkinson; grandchildren, Jessica Castro, Sarah Rose, Noah Calvert, William Calvert, Oaklie James, Alea Johnson, Austin Wilkinson, Haylie Wilkinson, Jaxon Wilkinson, Holden Holloway, Able Holloway, Mazlyn Holloway, Brooklynn Freimuth, Braden Freimuth, Camden Freimuth, Aubrie Freimuth, Payton Holloway, Arron Stutes, and Emma Stutes; and great-grandchildren, Ava, Owen, Brody, Adelita, Mollie, Jacob, and Lauren. He is also survived by a special friend who was like family, Linda Smith, one of their bus kids, who has lovingly helped Marcia care for Mitchell for some time.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Jason Wilkinson and Travis Wilkinson; his mother- and father-in-law, Anna Mae and John Hahn; brother, David Wilkinson; and sister, Dorthia Wilkinson.

 Services will be held at New Salem Baptist Church in Marble Hill, MO on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm with the Funeral Service beginning at 12:00 pm officiated by Randy Poole. Burial to follow at Baker Cemetery.