Andy CloseJoseph D. Wilks, 88, of Warren, passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation.
Joe was born Nov. 19, 1932, in Houtzdale, Pa., the son of the late Joseph Wilks and Leah Albright. He was a 1950 graduate of the Houtzdale Wood- ward High School. Joe served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in the 95th Tank Battalion. He was employed at the former Marlin Rockwell Company as a machinist for 37years, from which he retired. Joe was a past commander and lifetime member of the VFW Post 631 in Warren, and a member of the Pleasant Community Church.
He enjoyed golfing and was a longtime member of Blueberry Hill Golf Club. He was a member of the Warren YMCA and was also active in the Circle 8 Square Dance Club with his late wife. He will be long remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.
Joe is survived by two children: Sandy Wilks and her companion, Jim Roth of Warren, and Joseph W. Wilks and his wife, Becky, also of Warren; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters: Bonnie Albright of Houtz- dale and Debbie Miller and her husband, Dave, also of Houtzdale; an uncle, James Atkins and his wife, Rose of Jamestown, N.Y.; an aunt, Jean Hutchinson of Houtzdale; his caregiver and dear friend, Lorie Bear- field; along with several nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his feline companions: Jake, Missy, and P. Willow. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death on March 21, 2018, by his wife, Aileen VanLierde Wilks, whom he married on Sept. 2, 1955; and a brother, William Albright.
Friends will be received at the Peterson-Blick Funeral Home, 1003 Penna. Ave. E., Warren, Pa., on Thursday, July 29, from noon until 1 p.m,. at which time a funeral service will be held with the Rev. James Swanson, pastor, Pleasant Community Church, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Joe’s memory be made to the Pleasant Community Church, 673 Pleasant Drive, Warren, PA 16365
