Muskogee, Oklahoma - Dr. D.l. Wilkinson, known to just about everyone as D.I. passed away on May 16, 2026, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, after a bout with pneumonia.

He was born August 17, 1937, in Pampa, Texas, to CV. and Loretta Wilkinson. He grew up on a six-section, dryland ranch in the Texas Panhandle where the work was hard, the days were long, and the lessons lasted a lifetime He liked to say that medical school was a vacation compared to his ranching days, and knowing D.I., he meant every word of it. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder before entering medical school at Tulane where he was head resident in Pediatrics. While in medical school he married Linnie Stuckey and together they had three children: David, Ashley and Matthew. Each of them carries forward something of the man he was. D.l. settled in Muskogee and built a pediatric practice that served the community for fifty years. Generations of families entrusted him with the care of their children, and he met that trust with steady hands, good humor and an endearing smile that put even the most nervous little patient at ease. D.I. was a man of casual hospitality and genuine respect for the people around him.

Whether he was heading to Sequoyah Club, hunting ducks, pheasant, and quail, joining up with the ""Chicken Eaters", or working on learning to play the guitar, he brought the same easy-going warmth to everything he did. He even co-owned a local winery, because a life well-lived leaves room for a few good surprises.

D. I. married Nancy Knapp in 1977 and they shared almost fifty years together building a family and a life in the community they loved. D. I. was a devout Christian and a faithful member of Grace Episcopal Church where he gave generously of his time and spirit. He taught Sunday School, was a boy scout leader, served on the calling committee for two priests and remained a strong contributor to the life of the church throughout his years. His faith was not something he wore loudly but something he lived quietly and deeply. He believed in a simple idea: give what you can and make the world a better place. By any measure, D.I. did exactly that.

D.I. is survived by his wife Nancy, His children: Ashley Glisson (Baton Rouge, La.), David Wilkinson (Atlanta, Ga.), Matthew Wilkinson (Muskogee, Ok.), and his grandchildren: Connor Glisson, Lexie Glisson, Winifred Wilkinson and Coates Wilkinson.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister: Vivian Beam and his step-son Cooper Cox.

Funeral Mass will be held July 10th, 2026 at 11:00am at his beloved parish Grace Episcopal Church, in Muskogee.