Gerald Edward Wilcox

Gerald Edward Wilcox

Nov. 5, 1927 - Aug. 9, 2012

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Gerald Edward Wilcox of McCook passed away Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, at Bryan LGH West Hospital in Lincoln. He was 84 years old.

Gerald was born on Nov.5, 1927, in McCook to Charles and Bessie (Meyers) Wilcox. He attended District 31 School and McCook High School. On Nov. 21, 1945, he entered the US Army and served as a rifleman during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 25, 1946.

On April 6, 1946, he was united in marriage to Lily Florence Mitchell at Carlsbad, New Mexico. To this union five children were born, and they made their home in McCook where Gerald worked as a farmer.

He was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church, Veteran of World War II, and served as a 4-H leader for many years.

Gerald was a master of scrollsaw art and left a great legacy of the items he made. His hobbies included fishing, camping, and reading. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Charles and Bessie Wilcox; infant sister, Deloris Wilcox and sister, Charlotte Rogers; and brother-in-law, Don Ruppert.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Lily Wilcox of McCook; sons, Dan Wilcox and wife, Debra, of Conrad, Montana and Charles Wilcox and wife, Coleen, of Palisade, Nebraska; daughters, Nancy and husband, William Conover, of St. Charles, Missouri, Kathy Castro of Brush, Colorado and Sandy and husband, Randy McIntyre, of Eureka, Montanna; 22 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marie and husband, Al Kuck, of Smithfield, Nebraska, Betty and husband, Bill Jussel, of Grand Island, Nebraska and Doris Ruppert of McCook; numerous nieces, nephews, family and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name to: Mark IV Christian Ministries, Chaplain Don Anders, Chaplain USAF Auxiliary CAP, P.O. Box 1004, Ault, CO 80610-1004.

Visitation will be today until 8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012, 10:30 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor Lance Clay and Chaplain Don Anders officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.