Sgt. Richard L. Wilkes, 36, of Waldoboro, passed away on July 16 at Ft. Stewart Army Base in Savannah, Ga.
The son of William G. Wilkes and Dixie (Roden) Sproul, he was born Sept. 26, 1970, in Rockland. A lifelong resident of Waldoboro, he attended grade school as well as Medomak Valley High School.
At the time of his passing, Sgt. Wilkes was serving honorably in the U.S. Army. He was a highly decorated soldier, known for his professionalism, dedication to duty, and courage. Assigned to the 2-116th Field Artillery Regiment, Task Force Phoenix IV, he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Wilkes participated in over 45 dismounted and 50 mounted combat patrols in the Pol-E-Charki and Darulaman area of operations. Due to his attention to detail during dismounted combat patrols, he was personally responsible for recovering over 30 unexploded ordnances, 2 cache sites with live munitions and 10 mines. These actions saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and Afghan school children from the Pol-E-Charki High School.
Sgt Wilkes military awards include the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal.
Sgt. Wilkes remained active in many areas, including his love for cave diving, and Native American history, and he was an accomplished drummer and paratrooper.
He was predeceased by his father, William Wilkes; stepfather, Craig Sproul; grandfather, William Wilkes; and grandmother, Billie Pease.
He leaves his loving mother, Dixie Sproul of Waldoboro; maternal grandmother, Ann Severson of Jefferson; brothers, Jim LaCrosse of Jefferson, Jason LaCrosse of Germany, Troy Sproul of Jefferson, and Kevin Sproul of Waldoboro; sisters, Melissa Melvin of Waldoboro, Shawna Wing of Albion, and Michele Wager of Nobleboro; step-father, John LaCrosse and wife Susan of Florida; uncle, Roy Roden of Camden; aunt, Peggy Salminen of Rockland; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his dear friend, Bruce Waddell of Florida.
Service with full military honors 11 a.m., Thurs., July 26 at Dutch Neck Cemetery, Waldoboro.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
