Obituary of Edward Gerald Gilkes

Of Sterling, age 72, died Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at his home. The funeral service will take place 12:00 pm, Friday, September 13, 2013 at the Faith Baptist Church in Standish. Pastor Ron Lucas will officiate with burial to follow in Thetford Township Cemetery. Family will be present to receive friends at the Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Morris on Thursday from 1:00pm to 8:00pm. On Friday morning, Ed will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00am until the time of service at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Faith Baptist Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. Ed was born April 24, 1941 in Flint, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald and Thelma (Draper) Gilkes. He and Judith Ann McKerchie were united in marriage August 13, 1994 in Mt. Morris. Ed worked for Hamady Brothers for 31 years, retiring in 1987. It was while working there that he founded Ed's Archery & Sporting Goods in 1978. He then would go on to open Antler Ridge Ranch in Sterling. Ed was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Standish, the Flint Safari Club and was a commissioner for the Boy Scouts. Throughout his life he had a love of Street Rods, especially his white 1931 Ford Coupe and black 1930 Ford Coupe, "Cain and Able." Currently, Ed was working towards forming "Push Rods," a Street Rod Club. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 19 years, Judith Ann; three sons, Steven and wife, Melissa Gilkes, Michael Gilkes, and Robert and wife, Melody Gilkes; three step daughters, Jannelle and husband, Jim Merner, Jolynn and husband, Randy Badgero, and Jennifer and husband Darrell Bost; and 11 grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Darleen in 1993; brother, Ronald and sister, Joan Schearer.