Stephen Lee Wilkerson

Stephen Lee Wilkerson, age 82, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026 at his home in Hackett, Arkansas. He was born on August 16, 1943 in Henderson County, Kentucky to Earl Rogers and Bessie Lee Wilkerson. 

Stephen attended Henderson County High School and, following graduation, began working as a signalman for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad. He later spent many dedicated years working for Yam’s, which eventually became HomeChoice and later Rent-A-Center, where he built lasting friendships throughout his career.

On December 1, 2005, Stephen married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann (Smith) Wilkerson, in a memorable ceremony at the Elvis Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their marriage was filled with love, companionship, and shared memories.

As a young man, Stephen enjoyed playing softball and basketball through his church and was known for his strong singing voice and love of music. In his free time, he could often be found playing pool or enjoying games of chance. More than anything, he valued time spent with those he loved.

Stephen will be remembered for his love of family and for the special role he played in the lives of those closest to him. He leaves behind a legacy as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Ann Wilkerson; seven children, Carla Wilkerson Chapman and husband Derek, Cody Wilkerson and wife Cheri, Flint Wilkerson, Julie Nemeth and Husband Pete, Amy Kunkel and Husband William, Aaron Neubauer and wife Kellie, Darin Neubauer and wife susan; twenty-three grandchildren, Ryan Chapman and wife Clair, Aaron Chapman, Lauren Chapman, Paige Wilkerson Sneed and husband Lance, Jared Wilkerson, Trent Neubauer, Miranda Kelley and husband Levi, Trey Nemeth, McKenzie Gossett, Kaitlyn Slinkard, Destinie Peterson and wife Hailey, Lauren Taylor and husband Kolby, Krista Leaton and husband Brady, Nate Neubauer, Nick Neubauer and wife Megan, Blake Neubauer, Drake Neubauer,  Chloe Neubauer, Adam Proctor and wife Venus, Thomas Kunkel, Hanna Kunkel, Harley Kunkel, Haley Kunkel; eleven great-grandchildren, Allie, Collins, EJ, Connor, Anna, Jonah, Hazel, Opal, Harrison, Addy, Braylen; four siblings, Garland Wilkerson, Shirley Byron Wilkerson, Lawrence Wilkerson, Waverly Wayne Wilkerson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends. He is preceded in passing by his beloved parents, Earl Rogers and Bessie Lee Wilkerson; one great-grandchild, Kamryn Grace Leaton; as well as a sister, Nancy Gail Wilkerson. 

There will be a memorial service held in Stephens honor at 10:00a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Lewis Funeral Chapel with Russell Moran to officiate. 

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