Michael Wendell Wilkes Jr

MICHAEL WENDELL WILKES JR. entered this earth on July 18,

1963 as the first born son to Mary Alice and the late Michael Wilkes Sr.

in Indianapolis, Indiana. He passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024.

Michael was born with a development disorder, but never allowed it to

hold him down. With his strong will and determination, as well as the

unconditional love of his family, Michael thrived in his childhood,

overcoming a difficult prognosis and surpassing the expectations of all

the doubtful “experts”.

Michael went on to attend Howe High School, graduating in 1981. Due

to his parents' emphasis on hard work and making sure Michael was never

treated “different”, he was enrolled in a life skills training program with

Crossroads of Indianapolis. He worked several jobs through this program,

spending a majority of his career with Marsh Industries until his much

deserved retirement. Michael was a dedicated employee who enjoyed

going to work, often being praised for his positive, energetic attitude and

commitment to customer service.

Michael loved to play sports, especially basketball, where he was able to

show off the patented “hook shot” his father taught him, as a means to

level the competition with his siblings and neighborhood kids. He also

enjoyed watching football, basketball, bowling, and baseball, always

ready to make friendly bets with everyone who dared to go against his

beloved San Francisco 49er's, Duke Blue Devils or Phoenix Suns.

Michael loved life in a way that made everyone around him not only

smile but appreciate the simple things. He was a devoted son, an

amazing big brother, a caring uncle, a thoughtful nephew and cousin, a

friend to anyone he met, and, quite simply, a beautiful soul gifted by God

to all who knew him. “Huggy Bear” will be dearly missed, always loved,

but never, EVER forgotten.

Michael is preceded in death by his father, Michael Wilkes Sr. He leaves

to cherish his loving memory, his mother, Mary A. Wilkes; his brothers,

Gregory A. and Dennis W. (Yvonne) Wilkes; sister Michele A. (James)

Blackwell; his nephews, Marckus Williams, Isaiah, Joshua, Elijah, and

Kristafer Wilkes; great-niece, Laila Wilkes; great-nephews, Israel,

Legend, London and Luka Wilkes; a host of uncles, aunts, close friends,

and family members.