of Marion, AR
April 26, 1985 - July 7, 2020
Wilkes Danner East, 35, of Marion, Arkansas passed away on July 7, 2020. Wilkes was born April 26, 1985 in West Memphis, Arkansas to Michael Dennis ''Denny'' and Baylus Stuckey East. He is survived by his parents, his brother Michael Dennis East, Jr. (Jodi), his niece Mary Elizabeth and his grandmothers, Gloria Cline East and Rowena Bond Stuckey. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Harry Delano East, Sr. and Samuel Hilter Stuckey, Sr.
Wilkes was a member of Marion United Methodist Church. He graduated from Marion High School in 2003 and from Arkansas State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Business. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. Wilkes shared a great love of travel and adventure with his father. He began seriously pursuing this passion during his college years. He and his brother participated in a summer college exchange program in Brazil, studying Brazilian agriculture and the Portuguese language while living with a local family. Another semester Wilkes served on a fourteen member crew aboard an 88 foot schooner as part of the Sea-mester program. He spent 80- days sailing round-trip between the British Virgin Islands and Grenada in the Lesser Antilles.
Wilkes continued to explore and immerse himself in other cultures after college by teaching English in South Korea and traveling through Southeast Asia. He enjoyed the people he met as well as his travels and stayed connected with friends all over the world. Returning to Arkansas, Wilkes worked in various agricultural and construction related fields, spending several years in his family's cotton business. In recent years, Wilkes was proud to work with his brother and partner in two start-up companies in Marion.
Wilkes was loved by his family and many friends who will especially remember his smile, sense of fun, gentle spirit and kindness. They will remember what a good uncle he was to Mary Elizabeth, who never failed to make him smile. His favorite times remained the same through the years: the annual family ski trip to Colorado and lake weekends with family and friends.
In compliance with the Arkansas Department of Heath guidelines, social distancing will be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Marion United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 389 Marion, Arkansas 72364 or to a charity of your choice.
Sign Guestbook
77 Condolence(s)
Joanna Goodfellow
Sunday, October 25, 2020
It’s getting closer to the holidays and I know it’s hard .... I miss Wilkes so much, more and more ... I think of him often, he was such a great soul here on earth ... more people should have a heart like his 💓. I know he is smiling down at us ðŸ™ðŸ½
Tommy Hamrick
Friday, July 24, 2020
Dear Denny, Baylis, and Michael Jan and me were so saddened to learn of y’all losing Wilkes at such a young age. We cannot begin to imagine the pain and sadness of losing a child which must be the worst thing imaginable. We wish y’all the best during this very traumatic and trying time. Best Regards, Jan and Tommy Hamrick
‘Babe’
Thursday, July 23, 2020
I’m gonna miss you my guy â—ï¸â¤ï¸ðŸ˜¢
Bo McElya
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Wilkes you were one of those people who instantly put a smile on my face as soon as you walked in. When we first met you and I had a conversation that I remember to this day and now that you are gone I know that I will never forget it. It started serious and wound up with us both laughing. I am gonna miss that Southern drawl of yours and that grin nobody could keep from smiling back at. RIP my friend, I know you're making them smile in Heaven now. Your family are in my prayers and I pray that God will give them comfort and peace in their time of sorrow.
Yajayra Martin
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Laurie Waller Mayhan
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Denny, Baylus, Michael and family,
I pray that our Heavenly Father will surround you with comfort and peace during this difficult time. My you also be uplifted and comforted by all those around you. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Rest in Peace Wilkes.
Katelyn Turner, Hunter Myers and Allie Fairly
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
We met Wilkes working as servers at the Arcade Restaurant and became fast friends. We hope one day we will get to share with you all of the great memories we have with him. He we be dearly missed and never forgotten. RIP to a legend.
Chaundra Mcgowan
Monday, July 13, 2020
Wilks was my neighbor and I met him during the process of getting my house built. My condolences are with his family. I’m sure gona miss you Wilks, that smile and sense of humor. Gone to soon my friend.
Your friend and neighbor
Chaundra McGowan
Kathi Watters
Monday, July 13, 2020
There are no words to ease the pain but please know I love your family and will be praying for peace and healing.
Diana Ford Marter
Monday, July 13, 2020
So very sorry for your loss...Thoughts & Prayers for your family.
Bobby Cassidy
Monday, July 13, 2020
Denny and Baylus:
Lisa and I would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Lee and Debbie Dunn
Monday, July 13, 2020
To the East Family so sorry to about. Your son you are in r prayers we love Jodie and Mill. To the Sam Stuckey family love to all
Honshell Family
Monday, July 13, 2020
I can’t believe I am seeing this. We were just talking about you the other day and the boys said they wanted to see you to say hi. You were a great friend to us and a wonderful person all around. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Gone to soon but never forgotten.
Honshell Family
Monday, July 13, 2020
I can’t believe I am seeing this. We were just talking about you the other day and the boys said they wanted to see you to say hi. You were a great friend to us and a wonderful person all around. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Gone to soon but never forgotten.
Jeanna & Joe Nicosia
Monday, July 13, 2020
Denny & Baylus, we are heartbroken to hear about Wilkes. Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you both and your family. We are here for you. Love, Jeanna & Joe Nicosia
Kelly Davis
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Reta and I are heartbroken to receive this news. Our prayers go out to the entire family during this time. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Scott Tatman
Sunday, July 12, 2020
My condolences to your family. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Robert Gill II
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Dear Denny, Baylus and family,
We are so sorry for your families loss of Wilkes. We pray that you will find comfort thru our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Robert Gill Family
Robert and Thresa Gill's family
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Baylus and Denny, Our entire family expresses our condolences to all of you with the passing of Wilkes. We pray for your peace and comfort.
Mike & Debbie Greer
Sunday, July 12, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss and your family will be in our prayers.
Leigh Warren
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Wilkes infectious smile and positive spirit will be miss! Denny, Baylus, and Michael please know that Mady and I have been lifting your family up in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to pray for you all and everyone who loves Wilkes. We know that Wilkes touched a lot of lives and that is such a beautiful sentiment to the young man you raised.
Bill Maury
Sunday, July 12, 2020
I always enjoyed seeing and hunting with Wilkes. He was a fine young man and will be missed by his HC friends. The East's are in our prayers.
Lynn Yeager
Sunday, July 12, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. ðŸ™ðŸ»
paula raiford
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Love & Peaceâ£ï¸
Thank U 4 Being Uâ£ï¸
& A Part of The Raiford’s Familyâ£ï¸
I’m Dedicating the room above my Door at Raiford’s
Wilkes’s Spotâ£ï¸â£ï¸â£ï¸
U Will 4 Ever B Rememberedâ£ï¸
Paula & Keshia & Daruis & The Raifords Family
Steve Landers
Sunday, July 12, 2020
I wish I could do or say something that would I know then pain y’all are going through it’s the worst pain u will ever have . My prayers are going up for u 💔💔
Justin Sharpe
Sunday, July 12, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Wilkes was one of a kind.
Tammy Roe
Saturday, July 11, 2020
My prayers are with everyone during this time
Bill and Kristen Bernard
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Dustin Billingsley
Saturday, July 11, 2020
So sorry for your families loss
Spence & Jenni Held
Saturday, July 11, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family.
Tucker Covington
Saturday, July 11, 2020
I love Wilkes like a brother and he is one of my greatest friends. I will always remember the good times traveling and fun adventures that we had together growing up and all through our years of friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with Michael East, Mr. Denny East, Mrs. Baylus East, the entire East & Stuckey families
Teresa Craven Basham
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Dear Baylus, Denny, Michael and family, So very sad to hear of Wilkes passing. May the many beautiful & happy memories of him fill your heart and bring you peace and comfort. Our deepest sympathy, Teresa & Van Basham
Charles
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Sandy and Steve Landers
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Baylus and Denny, we are truly saddened by your loss of Wilkes. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Kelvick Moten
Saturday, July 11, 2020
RIP my guy ðŸ™ðŸ¾ðŸ™ðŸ¾ðŸ™ðŸ¾ Most definitely praying for your family !!!!😢
Debbie Homas
Saturday, July 11, 2020
â¤ï¸ Thinking of you all!
Gary J HARLOW
Saturday, July 11, 2020
May the Lord be with all of you. I pray for comfort and peace for all. This is such a hard thing to go through, the loss of a child must be the hardest of all things in life. JoAnne and I will hold you in our hearts and pray to the most high that Holy Spirit walk with you!
Gary
Kimberly Edington
Saturday, July 11, 2020
My heart is breaking for all of the East family, I pray that God shadows you all with much comfort and with the peace of knowing that Wilkes is with God. Wilkes touched every life that knew him and his passing will save many many more lives. Everyone loves Wilkes so much. I will continue to pray for God to give the East family strength and understanding for all the days ahead. Sincerely, Kimberly Edington & family
Toni (Byrd) Miller
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Prayers & thoughts go to the family. Wilkes always had a smile on his face & made growing up at Marion schools fun. He will be greatly missed.
Gregory & Claire Williams
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Our heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to the entire family. Sending our deepest sympathies during your loss. Words can only do so much during this difficult moment; we’re praying for y’all and know that God’s strength is always by your side. ðŸ™ðŸ½
Freda Chambliss
Saturday, July 11, 2020
So sorry to hear about Wills! I know he was much loved by his grandparents and all the family. . Gloria spoke of him often. May God comfort you as only he can through this difficult time.
Lori Beck Pearson
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Continued thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I didn’t know Wilkes, but all of the things I heard about him were wonderful compliments. ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Cacky Sobral
Saturday, July 11, 2020
My heart is breaking for you. There are no words. I am so incredibly sorry. Thinking of you and will be in my prayers
Tarus&Tiffany Goss
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Just wanna say i love u brother u had the heart &smile of anyone i have ever meet wanna say u will b missed dearly & i wanna say thats i was blessed to have u as a friend so rest in peace my brother see u later
Tammi & Wes Bell
Saturday, July 11, 2020
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Penny Pulse
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Wilkes has been one of my dearest friends over this last year or so. He has kept me laughing even when I didn’t feel like laughing. He has the sweetest soul and a big ole country boy heart. I am going to miss him more than I can express in words. I will be thinking of his family, as well. Wilkes was very special and loved by so many. He lived out loud. He lived with love. I am grateful to have been able to get to know him so well.
Jackie & Janie Fires
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Baylus, Denny, to the entire Stuckey and East families, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. As we cannot imagine your heartbreak. Know that we are praying for you all. Hugs and Love, Jack and Janie Fires
Shelia Dunlap
Saturday, July 11, 2020
My heartfelt condolences and prayers for you all. May you find peace with God’s love and comfort. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Sharon Jett
Friday, July 10, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with your family
Margaret Stringfellow
Friday, July 10, 2020
my Condolences to the Family. I pray for strength for the family we love Wilkes Meadowbrook Staff
Mary Lynn Lee
Friday, July 10, 2020
He was always the life of the party! Prayers for the East family!
~ Mary Lynn
Pam Knapp-Carver
Friday, July 10, 2020
May peace be with you all during this most difficult time. Thoughts and prayers of comfort.
Robert Mettler
Friday, July 10, 2020
Jason and Natalie Collard
Friday, July 10, 2020
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jason and Natalie
Karen Meyers
Friday, July 10, 2020
My heart is hurting right along with you, but trying to remember all the good times we had growing up together from birthday parties as little kids through high school and college. Y’all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick and Stacy Crawford
Friday, July 10, 2020
With deepest sympathy, and prayers for your family during this difficult time.
God Bless.
Garrett Threet
Friday, July 10, 2020
Prayers for comfort and understanding. Our deepest sympathy. The Threet family,
Arthur and Nina Kiratzis
Friday, July 10, 2020
We are filled with sorrow for you all Wilkes was one of a kind always kind and respectful you will be in our hearts and prayers
Kay Martin
Friday, July 10, 2020
My prayers for your family during this difficult time and days to come. May Gods comforting hands be upon each of you.
Arthur and Nina Kiratzis
Friday, July 10, 2020
Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for you all Wilkes was one of a kind always kind and respectful.You will all be in our prayers
Janie Baber
Friday, July 10, 2020
Our hearts are hurting alongside you and we’re sending our love.
Andy and Anna Tawls
Friday, July 10, 2020
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Wilkes was a sweetheart and always went out of his way to say hello. I will miss his sweet smile. Our condolences to all of you!
Sincerely
Andy and Anna Rawls
Steve and Barbara Bonds
Friday, July 10, 2020
Barbara and I send our deep condolences in this terrible loss.
Melinda Gonzalez
Friday, July 10, 2020
Baylus, as one mother to another, I cannot imagine the pain you and your family are going through at this difficult time. My heart goes out to all of you. Praying for peace and comfort.
Melinda Gonzalez
Friday, July 10, 2020
Baylus, as one mother to another, I cannot imagine the pain you and your family are going through. My heart goes out to all of you. Praying for comfort and peace.
Bo Halle
Friday, July 10, 2020
My deepest condolences, Wilkes had an infectious personality that always cheered me up. My prayers are with your family.
Lynn &Cindy Ryan
Friday, July 10, 2020
Our prayers are with y’all at this very difficult time .
Becky Stephens
Friday, July 10, 2020
I am so sad about the loss of your sweet boy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Until you have lost a child, the love of your life, you cannot possibly understand the pain. Please know that I am holding you all close to my heart. I feel your pain. I know your pain. I understand your loss. Prayers for you all.
Cody Gibson
Friday, July 10, 2020
Rest easy and prayers for the family.
DERRICK ROBINSON
Friday, July 10, 2020
Lisa
Friday, July 10, 2020
I still remember like yesterday, playing Wilkes in my 7th grade PE class Ping-Pong championship. He had won the student tournament. Wilkes always made people around him smile. Prayers for his family!
Shelby Langley
Friday, July 10, 2020
You were one of a kind and will be truly missed by everyone!
Chris Thomas
Friday, July 10, 2020
Wilkes, you will be missed man. Never thought we’d be burying you this early on. I figured you’d be a beacon here and that’s just sad that the light had to go out so soon.
Kay Hinkle
Friday, July 10, 2020
Wilkes sounds like a special young man. May your fond memories see you through the coming days. My continued prayers for his family and friends.
Raymond and Becky Vega
Friday, July 10, 2020
You are in our thoughts and prayers. So very sorry for your loss.
Nadia James
Friday, July 10, 2020
It is so hard to believe that are you gone. Over the past few years you and I had really become good buddies. I will definitely miss getting your phone calls while laughing at the many stories you would tell! To be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD! Denny, Baylus, Michael, and family I will keep you all in my prayers!
Cathy Hollowell