William Wilkinson, Sr., 85, Havre, MT, formerly of White Shield, died July 23rd, 2011 in a Havre hospital.  Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 26th, 2011 at the Ralph Wells Memorial Complex in White Shield.  Burial was at the Memorial Congregational Church Cemetery.

William Wilkinson, Sr. was born in Elbowoods, ND on August 7th, 1926.  He graduated from Elbowoods High School where he led his high school team to the state basketball championship in 1945.  He also attended Minot State on a basketball scholarship.

William married Miriam (Smith) Wilkinson on September 27th, 1952.  They had four daughters, Roberta Bell of Harlem, MT, Debbie Wilkinson, Vanessa Spraker,  and Claudene (Ben) Calvert, all of Havre, MT and two sons, William, Jr. of Havre, MT and Dean of Chinook, MT.  He had 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

William worked for the BIA Roads Department for 34 years until he retired in 1990.  William enjoyed watching sports and being with his family.