Ernest Milton Wilkinson, Jr.

Ernest Milton Wilkinson, Jr. passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 82. He was born on Wednesday, June 2, 1943 in Port Sulphur, Louisiana to the late Jeroma F. Wilkinson and the late Milton E. Wilkinson, Sr. He was a resident of Independence, Louisiana. Ernest was a graduate of Buras High School and then entered into the United States Air Force in the early to mid 1960's and was a jet engine mechanic. He was stationed in Albany, Georgia; in Ethiopia in Africa, and in Topeka, Kansas. Ernest attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. He was a retired Plaquemines Parish Deputy Sheriff who served for 20 years.

Ernest is survived by his wife, Catherine "Cathy" Wilkinson; children, Angela Wilkinson Kirtland(Kenneth), Ernest Milton Wilkinson III, Jowanda Gordon(Oscar), and Larry Anthony, Jr.(Sara); grandchildren, Erika Checketts(Dylan), Kenneth Kirtland IV(Caitlin), Jonathon Wilkinson, Nicholas Anthony(Kayla), Christopher Gordon(Baily), Logan Gordon, Kaycie Newman(Trevor), Katelyn Strickland(Cody), and Peyton Anthony; great-grandchildren, Juliet Checketts, Cora Kirtland, Lylah Gordon, Clarke Gordon, Grace Gordon, Logan Gordon, Khaza Gordon, Lennox Gordon, Kylei Gordon, Kennedi Newman, Carrieann Strickland, and Colby Strickland; brother, Edward Wilkinson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Milton E. Wilkinson, Sr.; mother, Jeroma F. Wilkinson; daughters, Amanda Wilkinson and Rebecca Wilkinson; son, Patrick Wilkinson; and brother, Eric Wilkinson.

Services for Ernest will be private.

His favorite pastimes were playing Cajun and Swamp Pop music with his band, Hot Sauce, and spending time with his wife, Cathy, and with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and his many, many friends. He always kept everyone laughing.