Gay Wilkinson

Gay L. Wilkinson, of Farmington, Missouri, passed away on August 3, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on September 27, 1950, in Farmington, he was the son of the late James Wilkinson and Dorothy Mason.

Gay is lovingly remembered by his wife, Nancy "Cookie" Wilkinson of 49 years, three daughters Amy Wills of Farmington, Wendy (Jason) Rust of Kansas City, and Penny (Adam) Brown of Jackson, Missouri, along with seven grandchildren Madison Franken, Jacob Weedman, Evan Rust, Claire Rust, Sophie Rust, Jude Rust, and Barrett Brown, as well as great-grandson Gunner Franken. He is dearly remembered by siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Gay used his life to serve others. He worked at Mineral Area Regional Medical Center for 44 years in a number of roles, but spent the majority as the director of respiratory therapy. At the hospital, he was known to be the barber for patients in the hospital who didn’t have visiting family, for providing rides to his employees when it snowed, and for having staff who worked for him for more than 30 years. A dedicated public servant, he served on Farmington city council from 1989-1993, Farmington city mayor from 1993-1997, and county commissioner from 2012- 2020.

Gay was a Freemason, and lived up to the standards of honesty, trustworthiness, and reliability. Gay was a three-time world champion anvil shooter and is known far and wide for his unique hobby, highlighted on numerous national television shows. He loved spending his time listening to good music and piddling in his shop. Those who knew and loved him will remember his brilliant smile, his playful wit, his ingenuity, and his deep love of his hometown Farmington.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Farmington from 8:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Rocky Good officiating. A private family burial with be held following the service at the Masonic Cemetery in Farmington. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Help the Hungry Bake Sale, 4055 Westover Road, Bonne Terre, MO 63628. View the video tribute and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.