FORT MOHAVE, Arizona – William Leon "Bill" Wilks, 61, died suddenly on March 11, 2017, of a heart attack in Fort Mohave, Ariz. Bill was born Aug. 7, 1955, in Hutchinson, to Leon and Ivalie (Helsel) Wilks.

He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local #12 in Pasadena, Calif., before earning a Physician Assistant Degree and moving to Africa.

Bill is survived by: his wife, Sheiller, whom he met and married while doing missionary work in Kenya; brother, Michael and wife Leslie of Newton; nephews, Jonathan and Joseph of Bel Aire. Private family burial took place in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Elliott Mortuary and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.