WILKSON, Joseph A., age 99, of Huber Heights, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Stonespring of Vandalia.  Born in Detroit, Michigan, the eldest son of the late, Joseph & Agnes (Marchand) Wilkson.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Midori; son, Frank.  Joseph is survived by his daughter, Rosemary S. Bixler (Barry); sons, John Wilkson (Sandy), James Phillip Wilkson “Phil”; sister, Marie Hemmings; brother, Charles Wilkson; 6 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren; and many other relatives & friends.

He received degrees from University of Maryland and Wright State University.  Joseph served in the Merchant Marines on Liberty ships during WWII in Europe and Africa.  At the start of the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  He graduated from the U.S. Air Force intensive Russian language program at Syracuse University, Army parachute jump training at Fort Benning, Georgia and U.S. Air Force survival school in Fairchild AFB, Washington.  He served in Europe and Japan.  Joseph retired with 20 years service as a Chief Master Sergeant, linguist, master parachutist and operation specialist.  He was employed as an analyst at FTD/NASIC.

He enjoyed working out and received a trophy in competition for bench pressing 300 lbs at age 61.  Joseph enjoyed playing Sudoku and telling stories of his experience in WWII.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery, 8135 N. Dixie Dr.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Valley Hospice in Joseph’s memory.  Funeral arrangements Marker & Heller Funeral Homes.