DeForest Raymond Wilkes, Sr., age 82 of Crown Point passed away Monday, February 10, 2014. He was born on April 22, 1931 to the late John and Myrtle Wilkes. He graduated from Hobart High School in 1949. DeForest served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired from NIPSCO in 1990 after almost 40 years of service. DeForest was a life member of the Valparaiso VFW Post 988 and a member of the Wanatah American Legion Post 403. He is survived by 2 sons, John Wilkes of Wanatah, IN; Donald (Kim) Wilkes of FL; 6 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Wilkes, 1 son, DeForest Willkes, Jr., and 1 sister, Lois Westbay. Cremation will take place with Rees Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Winfield Chapel. Call (219) 942-2109.