Wendell Lloyd Kilgore

Wendell Lloyd Kilgore, age 82, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Born on August 31, 1942 in Edna, TX, he was a son of the late Leo Kilgore and Rachael Price Kilgore.

Upon graduating from Bristow High School in 1960, he immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force; he had to get his mother's permission because he was still 17. He served as an aircraft mechanic for four years and received the Armed Forces Good Conduct medal for each year. He achieved his single-engine aircraft pilot rating in 1962. Following his military service, he worked as a salesman and a commercial pilot for decades. A fan of BBQ and good Tex-Mex food, Wendell frequently dined at local restaurants in Yukon and elsewhere on his travels. He enjoyed music and was an accomplished drummer, playing in several regional Big Bands. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Wendell's memory lives on in: his three sons Allen (Maura) of Solomons, MD; Brian (Suzanne) of Port St Joe, FL; and Jeff of Oklahoma City; his daughter-in-law, Debbie Kilgore of El Reno, OK; his brother, Gail of Galveston, TX; many grandchildren - Sullie, Jakob, Rachael, Austin, Caleb, Cole, Christian, Emily, Valerie, Kassidy, Michael, Jonathon, Mary and Rachel; and 10 great-grandchildren (with another on the way). He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents, Leo and Rachael Kilgore; his sister, Kay Lynn Johnson; his brother, Leon Kilgore; and his children, Karen and Michael.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff, hospice caregivers, and medical personnel of Superior Residences and Vitas Hospice who were there for Wendell on the night of his passing. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Oklahoma Chapter of the Alzheimer's Foundation (https://www.alz.org/oklahoma, 1-800-272-3900) are suggested.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel at 1500 W Vandament Avenue in Yukon, with Pastor Scott Kinney officiating. Burial will follow at the Yukon Cemetery at 660 Garth Brooks Boulevard. Pallbearers will be members of Wendell's family: sons Brian and Jeff Kilgore and grandsons Jakob, Austin, Cole, and Christian Kilgore.

Although Wendell's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit and humor will continue to uplift us. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Wendell and for the Kilgore Family.