Daniel Thomas Wilkie

Daniel Thomas Wilkie, 59, a resident of Columbia, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at University Hospital. 

Daniel was born on May 2, 1963, in Moses Lake, Washington, the son of James Wilkie and Peggy Slaughter Wilkie. On May 5, 1998, in Columbia, he married Gaye Walcott and together they celebrated over 24 years of marriage.

Daniel worked at Town and Country Lanes as the assistant manager where he was known the heart of Town and Country Lanes. He was a gentle man with a kind heart who was a steady rock for many people. He always had a warm smile for everyone. Before he began working for Town and Country Lanes, he was the bakery manager and Chinese chef for Gerbes Super Market. Daniel was the former head chef of the Haden House. When he wasn’t working, he spent every moment he could with his family, but he especially cherished all the times he spent with his grandchildren. He was a dedicated grandpa, always supporting his grandchildren in everything they did and loved going to their sporting events. In his younger years he enjoyed riding motorcycles and once he wasn’t able to ride anymore, he began collecting motorcycle models and figurines. 

Daniel will be greatly missed and forever remembered by his wife, Gaye Walcott Wilkie of Columbia; five children, Jesicia Hires and husband Chris of Columbia, Craig Lund of Columbia, Josh Baker and wife Christine of Centralia, Charlie Lund and wife Liz of Holts Summit, Benji Baker of Columbia; eight grandchildren, Darren Hires, Addyson Hires, Holden Baker, Greyson Baker, Carter Baker, Emersyn Baker, Lynda Lund, and Bryanna Lund; one brother, Robert Wilkie of Ashland; aunt, Judith Slaughter and companion Rick Dawson of Columbia; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Kenny Wilkie; maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Cathleen Slaughter. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Columbia Senior Center, 1121 Business Loop 70 E., Columbia, MO 65202, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023. Bring a covered dish to the celebration to share, as stories will be told to honor Daniel’s life. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested in Daniel’s honor to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave. Columbia, Missouri 65202.

Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Wilkie Family. 

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