Edgar "Bee"

Ernest Wilhelms Jr.

Edgar "Bee" Ernest Wilhelms Jr., son of the late Edgar Wilhelms and Wessie Pearl Wilhelms, was born in Exchange, Missouri, on September 12, 1925. He departed this life at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on May 10, 2023, at the age of 97.

On May 15, 1943, in Ellington, Missouri, Bee was united in marriage to Lucille G. Haywood and to this loving union four children were born. Lucille preceded him in death on December 13, 2004. Bee was a World War II Veteran of the United States Army. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 6660 in Centerville, Missouri. Bee was also a member of the Ellington First Baptist Church and a former member of the Barnesville Masonic Lodge #353. Bee enjoyed fishing, cooking fish, and hunting quail, squirrel, deer and elk. His greatest joy was spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.

Bee was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lucille, infant son, Denny Gale Wilhelms, and two brothers, Claude and Joy Wilhelms.

Bee is survived by two sons, Eldon Wilhelms and wife Kay of Dittmer, Missouri, and Steven Wilhelms and wife Susan of Oakville, Missouri, and one daughter, Raneen Thomas and husband Alan of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, 7 grandchildren, Greg, Dena, Stacey, David, Christy, Sarah and Chris, 13 great-grandchildren, Alicia, Brittany, Dylan, Dakota, Tyler, Austin, Emilie, Cole, Avery, Carly, Nolan, Kinley and Olivia, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Ramona and Camden. Bee will be deeply missed by his family and friends who will mourn his passing.

Visitation: Monday, May 15, 2023, 11AM-1PM at McSpadden Funeral Home, Ellington, Missouri

Funeral to follow at 1PM

Minister: Pastor Jim Stewart

Burial: Ellington Memorial Cemetery

In Lieu of Flowers: Donations can be made to Centerville VFW Post 6660, PO Box 45, Centerville, MO 63633

Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Home, Ellington, Missouri