Richard E. Wilkinson, 86, of Fort Wayne, died May 1, 2008 at Regency Place. Born Aug. 27, 1921 in Fort Wayne, he was a WWII Army veteran and a member of V.F.W post 2749. An outdoor sportsman, he was an avid fisherman and hunter. His occupations included, retail sales management, machinist and a free lance writer. He is survived by his daughters, Sandra L. Bowlby of Kendallville and Cathy L. Wendel of Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Eula. Funeral service 1 p.m. Wednesday with calling two hours prior at Covington Memorial Funeral Home 8408 Covington Rd. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. Memorials to VFW post 2749