COMMERCE -- Bennie Lee Wilkinson, 76, of Commerce died Thursday, July 31, 1997, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Aug. 6, 1920, at Commerce, son of Leroy and Emma Miller Wilkinson. He and Margie M. Riley were married Dec. 24, 1941, at Illmo. She died April 1, 1996.

Wilkinson was a supervisor with U.S. Paint Co. 35 years. He was a member of Benton United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge 184 and Order of Eastern Star Chapter 184 at Morley, and Scott County Historical Society. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include two daughters, Patricia Holland of Millstadt, Ill., and Phyllis Wienmann of St. Louis; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, three brothers, and two sisters.

Friends may call at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City after 4 p.m. today. A Masonic service will be held at 7.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Bennie Wilsey officiating. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery.