Edward Everett Wilkinson Jr.

Cincinnati – Wilkinson, Edward Everett Jr. It is with great sadness, the family of Edward E. Wilkinson Jr. announces his passing on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the age of 93 years. ‘Ed’ as he was known by to his friends and family, was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Zona Wilkinson (nee Strietelmeier), and survived by his daughters Dawn A. Wilkinson, son-in-law Warren S. Jaffe; Holly R. Wilkinson, son-in-law Christian Burns and grandson Everett E. Burns. Ed, born to Ellen Wilkinson (nee Lipscomb) and Edward E. Wilkinson, and elder brother to James Wilkinson, grew up in the Village of Mariemont, Ohio. Ed’s love of sports, cars, and design were themes that ran throughout his life. At 17, he proudly served his country in WWII as a Grumman Avenger Torpedo Bomber pilot aboard the USS Franklin until it was decommissioned in 1945. Upon returning from the War, he completed his high school education at Cincinnati Country Day where he was awarded best all-around athlete his Senior year while also attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. After completing the Fall season at Ohio State on a Football Scholarship, he transferred to Miami University (Oxford Ohio), playing four years of Varsity baseball with his brother, Jim. In 1950, he played semi-pro ball for the Boston Red Sox, before returning to Miami to complete his Masters in Architecture. Ed was also a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Ed’s love of speed, mechanics, and design were the perfect combination for motorsport. In 1955, he drove on the Maserati Racing Team. He designed the family’s Mid-Century Modern home where he and his wife, Zona, lived for 50 plus years. Ed remained an avid athlete throughout his life embracing golf, bowling, slow-pitch softball, and skiing. Additionally, he was an avid reader who enjoyed history, working puzzles, drawing, and home improvement projects. There really was nothing he couldn’t draw, design, or fix. For many years, Ed was an active member of the Clovernook Christian Church serving as a Deacon and on the Board of Trustees. He also participated in community service as a member of the Kiwanis Club. Ed spent 30 plus years with Armco Steel Corporation, as the Marketing Director for their New Materials Division. Upon retirement, he and Zona traveled the world, visiting six of the seven continents. Daddy, we love you and already miss your steady council, dry wit, and creative spirit but we are happy for you. Now, you are with Mom, Uncle Jim, Granny and your Dad. You can see again and oh, the reunion you must be having – truly your own ‘Field of Dreams’ and hitting it out of the park. We love you Daddy. In respect to Covid-19 concerns and protocols, the family had a private service on Monday, February 22, 2021 at the Spring Grove Funeral Home 4389 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH. The burial followed services at the funeral home at Spring Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND INC

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