Former Mayor and County Commissioner Gay Wilkinson Passes Away at 74

Farmington, Mo. (KFMO)​ - Former St. Francois County Commissioner and longtime Farmington public servant Gay Wilkinson passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the age of 74.

Wilkinson was a respected figure in both healthcare and local government. He dedicated 44 years of his life to Mineral Area Regional Medical Center, where he held several roles, most notably as the director of respiratory therapy. His public service began on the Farmington City Council, where he served from 1989 to 1993. He then became Mayor of Farmington, holding the position from 1993 to 1997. Later, Wilkinson served as St. Francois County Commissioner from 2012 to 2020.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Wilkinson was known for a unique passion, he was a three-time world champion anvil shooter, a rare and explosive sport involving the launching of anvils using black powder.

Wilkinson is remembered for his decades of service, community leadership, and one-of-a-kind spirit that left a lasting impact across the Parkland.