John Henry Wilkinson

John Henry Wilkinson, 66, of Lake Charles passed away Monday, October 05, 2015 in his home. Mr. Wilkinson was a native of Lake Charles. He was a graduate of Landry Memorial High School and a member of the 1965 Landry Football State Championship team. He recently retired as a Lab Specialties Technician with 28 years of service from CITGO Petroleum. Mr. Wilkinson was a Charter member of Krewe du Lac Mardi Gras Krewe of which he reigned as Duke Edward VII and King Charles XVII. For 33 years he, along with his wife and many dear friends, played an active part in the growth of Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana. He was most known for his wit and hilarious jokes. During his younger years he enjoyed hunting and golf and has always enjoyed watching MSU or LSU football games. Mr. Wilkinson will be most remembered as a good man, devoted to his faith and his family, an avid supporter of catholic education and for his overwhelming love for his family. He leaves to honor his memory, his loving wife of 45 years, Brenda Pesson Wilkinson of Lake Charles; one daughter, Stacey Wilkinson Vezinot and husband Matthew of Lake Charles; one son, Garrett Thomas Wilkinson of League City, TX; six grandchildren, Meagan Vezinot, Molly Vezinot, Ethan Wilkinson, Chase Wilkinson, Chris Duhon and Chasity Peloquin; his mother, Joyce Darce Wilkinson of Iowa; two sisters, Diann Wilkinson of Iowa and Sue Mistretta and husband Steve of Texas City, TX; father-in-law, Roland Pesson, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Donna Mier of Lake Charles and Kitty Decareaux and husband David of Canyon Lake, TX; three brothers-in-law, Buddy Pesson and wife Monica, Steven Pesson and Rodney Pesson, all of Lake Charles; many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Marion Wilkinson; Thomas Glenn Wilkinson and mother-in-law, Norma Vallot Pesson. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, October 08, 2015 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Monsignor James Gaddy will officiate. Interment will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday will be from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a scripture service beginning at 6:30 PM. Visitation Thursday will be from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to any Catholic Education system of choice.