Patrick Kelly Wilkerson

Patrick Kelly Wilkerson, 62, also known as “Dad,” “Papa” and “Papa K” passed away peacefully at his home in Taylor, Texas on December 31, 2023. He was born on October 22, 1961 in Taylor. Kelly was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and most importantly, a Papa.  

Kelly received a heart transplant in 2019, and we are incredibly blessed and grateful for the additional 5 years of shared love and memories. Kelly was unable to be an organ donor, and instead, he elected to donate his body to UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Kelly’s passion was his love of family and music. He loved his kids and grandkids dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. Whether it was doing cannonballs into a pool, enjoying a sporting event, or family time at the beach, these moments were some of his favorites. Kelly’s hobbies included playing, writing music and his beach trips. He took every opportunity to watch the sunrise and sunset.

At 15, Kelly started his music career with his first band, The Innovations, playing all over Central Texas.  After playing for 35 years with multiple bands, he created The Patron's, playing the music he loved, the Blues. Kelly loved and appreciated everyone who shared in his love for music. He also had a long career in the A/V field after graduating from the Art Institute of Houston.

Kelly is survived by his wife, Amy Jost; son, Christopher Wilkerson; daughters, Brittany Barcuch and husband Anthony, Brianna Wilkerson and Alyson Jost; brothers, Doug Wilkerson and wife Sharon and Scott Wilkerson. Kelly was a proud Papa to grandsons Ryan, Reid, and Rhett, and granddaughters Rori, Addison, and Chelsea. He also leaves behind nieces, Paige Wilkerson, Haley Wilkerson, Andrea Eiben, and husband Coleman, as well as extended family, Del and Juanita Bullock, Jason and Angela Walker, Jacob and Andrea Walker, Michael, and Aly Prohaska and his loving fur babies Kona and Stella.

Kelly is preceded in death by his father, James “Buddy” Wilkerson and mother, Amelia “Bebe” Wilkerson.

Kelly will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will forever live on in his music and his family. We invite you to visit The Patron’s website https://patronstx.com and enjoy videos and the musical talents of Kelly and the band.

A Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the SPJST Lodge in Taylor, Texas, at 1:00 PM.