Funeral services for Richard “Dick” Wilcox, 91, of Jefferson will beThursday, March 14, at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. Interment will be at Greenbrier Township Cemetery, Greene County. Memorials are suggested to the Greenbrier United Methodist Church.
Richard “Dick” Wilcox was born August 2, 1927, in Guthrie County, IA, to Clyde and Electa Coe Wilcox. He grew up living with both his mother and grandparents, whom he lovingly referred to as Pa and Ma Coe. He attended both Bagley and Guthrie Center schools, graduating with the Bagley High School Class of 1944. He remained close to his classmates throughout the years and rarely missed a Bagley alumni banquet. During his youth he enjoyed 4-H, showing his animals, and just being with friends.
On January 19, 1947, Dick married Melba Middleton at the United Methodist parsonage in Jefferson. They farmed in the Bagley and Churdan areas before moving to a farm in Greenbrier Township where they spent most of their married years and raised their four daughters.
During these years, Dick and Melba became active in the Greenbrier United Methodist Church and touched many young lives as the MYF counselors. Greenbrier Church members and neighbors became an important part of their life and they remain today.
Dick served on the Jefferson Community School board, the Greene County Cattleman board, The Greenbrier Township trustees, and other clubs and organizations. Dick enjoyed helping others and was always willing to lend a hand to young people who wanted to start farming. One of his joys was driving a tractor and helping with field work into his 80s.
Dick was a “people” person, and after Melba passed away, he spent much of his time visiting friends, including Dick and Melba’s good friend, Ayleen Smith of Panora. He always looked forward to his children and grandchildren popping in to see him and treasured the big celebrations with friends and family.
He is survived by his four daughters, Janis (Tom) Glass of Albuquerque, NM, Lois (Jim) Witte of Sheldon, MO, Joyce Fellows of Lake Winnebago, MO, and Karen (Doug) Lawton of Jefferson. Eight grandchildren survive including Matt (Meggan) Witte of Moundville, MO, Angela (Chaz) Clark of Colorado Springs, CO, Garrett (Maggie) Glass of Highlands Ranch, CO, Kati (Will) Nailor of Indianola, Adam (Tiffany) Fellows of Lake Winnebago, Diana (Justin) Towers of Jefferson, Andrea Fellows of Washington D.C., and Lance Lawton of Waukee. Also surviving is a brother, Tom Wilcox of La Porte, IN, 17 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, many more relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Melba, granddaughter Emily Glass, son-in-law Randy Fellows and sister Betty Middleton.
The family is assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
