Mickey P. Wilkinson

MICKEY PLEAS WILKINSON, 68, of Springfield, Ohio, passed away Friday morning, October 13, 2017 at the James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. He was born March 28, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Edna Louella and Pleas Hubit Wilkinson. Mickey had wide and varied interests with an insatiable curiosity to know about all things. "The Mick" as many friends called him was bright, quick, articulate, kind, gentle, very funny and often irreverent. He had an infectious laugh that could lighten any circumstance. He attended numerous academic institutions on a wide variety of topics, with a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Dayton. Mickey retired from the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where he was an Intelligence Analyst. He was deeply committed to public service, beginning his federal government career immediately after college. He had an eclectic career working as a civilian for Army, Department of Defense, and Air Force organizations in career fields including psychology, personnel, management analysis, computer data bases, and intelligence analysis. But his career love was intelligence analysis, analyzing the technologies, weapon systems, and behavior of a variety of countries. He traveled to many countries in the Middle East and was widely recognized for his outstanding analysis, including by the Air Force Chief of Staff and the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. Most importantly, he shared his intellect, wisdom, and experience with other analysts, especially those beginning their careers. Mickey was a wonderful husband to his wife and life partner, Bonnie. They shared in all things including intellectual, work, hobby, and volunteer interests. Mickey especially enjoyed being out in nature and doing anything on his small farm. He loved gardening, hiking, learning about birds and plants, and taking care of the land and environment. He volunteered extensively with the Tecumseh Land Trust and was intensely interested in environmental issues. Mickey also loved good food and wine, books, and music. He was a caring brother to his sister, Jane Wilkinson, and his sister-in-law, Sandra Powell. Mickey dearly loved his three nieces - Jennifer Powell (Brian Spirk), Megan Werner (Laurn), and Tracy Gray (Doug) - and their families, including many great nieces and nephews. He delighted in hearing about all of their activities and adventures and being part of their special life events. He also had many dear friends that he cherished spending time with. We all will miss him deeply, but will remember him with the joy that he took in everything he did. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tecumseh Land Trust, P.O. Box 417, Yellow Springs, OH 45387. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.richardsraffanddunbar.com