Saying Goodbye....

One of the things we are most grateful for in regards to the Wilkes Family Reunion is that Grandpa Wilkes was there to enjoy it and be together with his family.

Just a few days after returning home from Utah and the reunion we received the phone call from Uncle David that Grandpa had returned home.    As sad as we are and as much as we will miss Grandpa we know this is what he wanted and was looking forward to.

He was so anxious to see his mother again, who he hadn't seen since he was a young boy.  We just wish we could have been there to see the reunion.

Jim, Tessa and I drove to Idaho Falls and the other kids drove up from Utah to meet us.

All five children of grandpa's children spoke at the funeral and the grandchildren and great grandchildren all sang.  Logan gave the closing prayer and did a beautiful job.  It was a beautiful service and I think Grandpa would have liked it.

The funeral was in Idaho Falls on August 23, 2013  and then the burial up in Teton.  It was a bit windy but a beautiful day!

 

Because Grandpa had been in the Navy they had a military burial which was special.

 It was very touching to have the flag presented to Grandma.

Jim was one of the pall bearers and they each placed their boutonniere on the casket.

All four of grandpa's brothers were there.  Doran, Glenn, Blair and Danny Wilkes

and both of grandma's siblings - Gordon Clark  and Margene Withers.

Jim and his two brothers.

and Jim and his boys.

Grandma and her kids.

Loved having all our kids there.   All four of us girls ended up wearing polka dots!

After the graveside we went over to the church in Teton and had a family dinner that we had catered by BYU Idaho.  The food was great and it was so nice to just spend time together after everything was over.

We love you Grandpa!