Bruce Wayne Wilkinson, 57, of Springfield, MO, passed away March 9, 2017. He was born February 16, 1960, in Springfield, MO, to Thomas and Loretta Wilkinson.

He grew up in a house full of girls whom he protected fiercely. Bruce graduated from Central High School in 1978. Along the way, Bruce spent many weekends and summers in Greenfield, Ponce de Leon, and Clarksburg with his aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings. He was able to experience so many things that he loved; riding a motorcyle, his horse Blacky, and his bike from dawn to dusk. Sometimes he would skip school for long bus rides. Bruce also participated in and supported the Special Olympics. After graduation, he went on to work a variety of different jobs. That's when he met Curly, Moe and Joe.

Later in life, Bruce found out about his daughter, Niki, whom he loved dearly.

Every Thanksgiving he would open his home to his friends and cook a big meal for those that were alone. Bruce may have had his struggles but he had a pure heart, kind soul, and cared for his family and friends deeply.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Wilkinson. Bruce is survived by his mother and stepfather, Loretta and Frank Smith; stepmother, Dorothy Wilkinson; three sisters, Margaret Meltabarger and husband Jim, Candus Williams and husband Jack, and Marilyn Inman; nephews, Ricky Keeran and wife Angie, Rusty Keeran and Brandon Inman; nieces, Brittany Inman and Christin Alford; great nieces and nephews, Kaleb Keeran, Kaden Keeran, Karlee Keeran, Madison Inman, Allison Inman, Lindsey Inman, Hailey Taylor, Kylee Taylor, and Gracie Taylor; and daughter, Niki Wiltshire and husband Darran and their children, Amelia and Parker Wiltshire; and a host of family and friends. A visitation will be held from 5-8 PM, on Thursday, March 16, 2017, at Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, 2026 W Woodland St, Springfield, MO.

A visitation will be held from 5-8 PM, on Thursday, March 16, 2017, at Midwest Cremtion and Funeral Services, 2026 W Woodland St, Springfield, MO.