Wilkerson Joseph "Wilky" Couty
Wilkerson Couty Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wilkerson Joseph "Wilky" Couty, age 82, who passed away peacefully at 12:30 AM on Friday, January 31, 2025, at his home in Du Quoin, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Thursday, September 3, 1942, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, a son of Nathaniel and Elnora (Mullone) Couty. He was married to the late Janet Kay Fisher, and from this union, three beloved children were born.
Wilky enjoyed life and what it had to offer. He was always surrounded by music and was a self-taught guitar player. When he was a teenager living in Chicago, he played with his older brother, Nat, in a band called "Nat Couty and the Braves." He loved having people listen to the two songs their band was known for: "Woodpecker Rock" and "Won't You Come Along with Me." Once he met Janet and married, he moved to Du Quoin, where he took up several other hobbies: rabbit and squirrel hunting, and fishing and catching snapping turtles. He enjoyed selling worms to people, mostly for socializing (gossip).
But he was truly known for his infectious laugh, telling jokes and stories (whether true or not). But his favorite pastime later in life was sitting on his porch. He enjoyed watching people and cars go by and loved those who stopped in to visit. If you couldn't find him on his front porch, all you had to do was visit the local Wal-Mart.
Wilky was raised in Louisiana on Cane River and their family's favorite food was his mom's homemade Gumbo. His sister, Louise, surprised him with the family recipe she made and brought to him. You could tell he felt like he was back home in Louisiana. But his true love was for his children, grandchildren and his great grandchildren. He will be missed by all those who knew him and forever known as the man who could always make you laugh.
He is lovingly survived by his daughter- Rhonda Milleville and husband David of Tullahoma, TN; daughter- Dawn Cheek and husband Matt of Du Quoin; son- Steven Couty of Enterprise, AL; loving companion of almost 18 years - Beverly Taylor of Du Quoin; six grandchildren- Lauren (Milleville) Folkens and husband Arend of Chattanooga, TN, Jordan Milleville and wife Lacey of Louisville, TN, Linnea (Cheek) Burke and husband Tony of Du Quoin, Desiree (Couty) Henson and husband Brandon of New Port Richey, FL, Sydney Couty of Oldsmar, FL, and Peyton Couty of Grundy Center, IA; great grandchildren- Mia Rose Folkens, Pete Arend Folkens, Rocky Hollis Burke, Emilie Michelle Henson, and one on the way; sister- Louise Couty of Natchitoches, Louisiana; and many nieces and nephews that he adored.
Wilkerson was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter- Amelia Couty, three brothers- Nathaniel Couty, Jr., Louis Couty, and Clyde Couty. and one sister- Marjorie Couty-Metoyer.
Celebration of Life Services for Wilkerson "Wilky" Couty will be held from 10:30am-1:00pm on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Southern Homestead Event Center; 1323 S. Washington Street; Du Quoin, IL 62832.
Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Du Quoin is honored to serve the family. We invite you to share your favorite memories and stories of Wilky as the family celebrates his life and legacy. Please visit www.maxtonrosado.com
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