Russell Blake (Russ) Wilkerson, age 37, of Manter, Kansas, died Monday, June 16, 2013, in Manter, Kansas. He was born February 3, 1976, in Johnson, Kansas the son of Alvin Emery (Bud) and Donice Shirley(Batterton) Wilkerson.

Russ graduated from Stanton County High School in 1994. He then attended Dodge City Community College, Kansas State University, and West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas earning a Bachelors Degree in agriculture Business and Economics. He then returned home to farm. Russ was a second Dad to all the children of his family and friends; and a Godparent to Sam Wilkerson. He enjoyed gambling, attended the National Finals Rodeo every year, and was a Kansas City Royals fan. Russ was an Associate Board Member for Skyland Grain, a member of the Manter Methodist Church and was the pitcher for the Manter Tea Softball Team.

Russ is survived by his mother, Donice Wilkerson of Johnson, Kansas; brothers, Bryce Wilkerson and wife Rhonda, Charles Wilkerson and wife Rosemary all of Johnson, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Alvin (Bud) Wilkerson, on July 16, 1996; and brother, Clifford Lyle Wilkerson on September 23, 1979.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 21, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Manter, Kansas with Pastor Will Kenyon officiating. Interment will follow at the Stanton County Cemetery in Johnson, Kansas. Friends may call Thursday, June 20, 2013, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Johnson, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church in Manter in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, Kansas 67855.