Robert Wayne Wilke, 83, of Metropolis, IL, passed away peacefully at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, January 10, 2016, at home with family at his bedside.Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. Timothy A. Bean officiating. Interment will follow in the Metropolis Memorial Gardens with military rites.Robert was born on July 30, 1932 in Metropolis, the son of Amelia and Floyd Wilke. Robert was united in marriage to Marilyn Joyce LaMarr on June 7, 1953 at the First Methodist Church in Metropolis and shared life together for more than 62 years.Robert was a veteran serving his country in the U.S. Army, mostly in Japan from February 1953 until February 1955. Upon return to home, he spent the rest of his working years in diversified farming. Robert received many farming awards over the years and was often looked to for advice by other farmers. In his retirement years he became a craftsman in woodworking. Robert was always actively involved in his church, being a lifetime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He was baptized on September 7, 1932 and confirmed on March 25, 1945. Robert looked forward, especially in his last days, to seeing his Savior Jesus Christ in his home in heaven. He loved his family and those he leaves behind will always cherish memories with "Papaw".He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn; three children, Merlina Ann Fletcher and husband Steve of Metropolis, Rhonda Sue Hamm and husband Jimmy of Metropolis, and Robert Keith Wilke and wife Angie of Paducah, KY; seven grandchildren, Matthew Armstrong and wife Brittany of Orlando, FL, Blair Armstrong and wife Candace of Metropolis, Jared Armstrong and wife Leslie of Metropolis, Mendi Kay Souders and husband Chad of Metropolis, Erica Lynn Johnson and husband Ryan of Springfield, IL, and Grace Elizabeth Wilke and Bennett Keith Wilke both of Paducah; eight great grandchildren, Taylor Souders, Wilke Armstrong, Callie Souders, Hallie Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Blakely Armstrong, Jed Armstrong, and Marlee Armstrong. He was preceded in death by his first son, Gerald Wayne Wilke; his parents; sister, Melva Tinsley Collie; and great grandson, Jase Wayne Armstrong.Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral hour at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church 520 Ferry Street Metropolis, IL 62960 or Lourdes Hospice PO Box 226 Metropolis, IL 62960.Online condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.