Leighton B. Wilklow

LEIGHTON B. (DOC) WILKLOW

Dr. Leighton B. Wilklow, 77, died November 28, 2009 at Indian River Medical Center, Vero Beach.

He was born in Highland, New York and lived in Vero Beach for 26 years coming from Western New York.

Dr. Wilklow graduated from Highland High School, attended Ithaca College and Cortland State Teachers College where he earned letters in baseball and was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. He received his Masters Degree from Springfield College. He earned his Doctorate's of Philosophy in Public Administration at the University of Connecticut. He started his career teaching and coaching sports, ultimately becoming a Superintendent of Schools in upstate New York. He authored many magazine and journal articles, and co-authored an educational textbook. He was a frequent editorial contributor to this newspaper.

He rose to the rank of Lieutenant in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Columbus, CA 74 and the battleship USS Wisconsin BB-64. He earned the World War II Occupation Metal - Navy, among others. He continued his career for about 10 years with the US Naval Reserve.

He was a Charter member of Hawks Nest Golf Club, a member of the Exchange Club of Vero Beach, Who's Who in USA, and Point West Golf Club.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Carol Ann Wilklow of Vero Beach, son, L. Stephen Wilklow of Colorado Springs, CO, daughters, Stephanie Dawn Cates of Colorado Springs, CO, Terri Lynn Wiebke of Westcliffe, CO, Julie Ann Stroh of Vero Beach, 8 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association, Southeast Florida, 2701 North Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.

SERVICES: Graveside Service will be 12 Noon on December 1, 2009 at Crestlawn Cemetery, Vero Beach,

Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory Vero Beach, Florida