It is with immense sadness, that we announce peaceful passing of Glen Allen Wilkerson, on August 12, 2026 at age 89, following unexpected illness. He was surrounded by family in final days.
Glen was born on April 2, 1937, in Oakdale, California, where he was raised and graduated Oakdale High School in 1955. He and his family were faithful members of First Baptist Church in Oakdale, where his parents served as pillars of the church community.
Following high school, he served eight years in United States Navy, including two overseas deployments aboard aircraft carriers, USS Wasp (CV-18), USS Princeton (CV-37). He achieved rank SK3 and selected privileged duty, helmsman.
He enjoyed attending airshows and watching the Blue Angels. He loved watching the Olympics and NASCAR races. Following the loss of his wife, Ginny, in early 2025, he relocated to Livermore to be with family.
Glen enjoyed a fulfilling career in farming and vineyard industries. His journey began as a young boy, milking cows on family’s ranch. As young man, he worked alongside his father in the family farming business and grocery store, Oakdale Farm Supply, laying foundation for lifelong career in agriculture. Glen began professional career with Earth Equipment, in Stockton before relocating to Concord where he worked for Ford Tractor Company.
He later moved to St. Helena, California where he became owner of Wilcox Tractor in Rutherford. Continuing success in industry, Glen went on to own Hayward Ford Tractor and Bay Ford Tractor, both serving customers in East Bay. Later in career, Glen became District Manager for Woods Equipment. Glen left lasting marks on agriculture and vineyard communities.
Glen enjoyed big band and jazz music. As a musician, he played trumpet throughout school years and performed in high school dance band. He was honored to play “Taps” at graveside and memorial services throughout the Oakdale community.
Glen’s motto was, “Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say.” He lived by those words, and he gave his word, people knew they could count on him.
Glen leaves behind two daughters: Laurie (Roy Shields) and Cheri (Javier Rocha); seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Alvin Alton) and Anita (Charlie Morisoli, deceased), and Gloria (Dawson) Wilkerson, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Cleo Wilkerson (step-father William Wilson), sister Arline Wright (Merle) and brother Gerald “Jerry” Wilkerson (Shirley).
Private graveside burial will take place at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon and small Celebration of Life the day after.
In lieu of flowers, family invites consideration with donating to favorite children’s medical care organizations, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and Research Center, send to: donate.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org, or mail to: P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, at stjude.org, or mail to: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Oct. 28, 2026
