Idaho State Journal, 11/23/10
ST. GEORGE, UTAH — Eugene “Willy” Wilcox, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 21, 2010, St. George, Utah. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and friend to all.
Willy was born in Garden City, Utah, on July 19, 1921, to Joseph Wilford Wilcox and Sarah Lucy Calder. As a young child his family moved to Montpelier, Idaho, where he graduated from Montpelier High School. The next spring, he married his sweetheart, Ione Grace Pugmire, whom he loved with all his heart. One and half years later, Willy’s only son, Layne, was born. Layne was the couple’s pride and joy. The family was sealed in the Logan LDS Temple in 1943.
Willy enlisted in the Navy and served on PT boats in the South Pacific for two years during World War II. He was very loyal and proud to serve his country. After an honorable discharge, he worked for OP Skaggs and then became the first mail carrier in Montpelier, Idaho. He retired 30 years later and it was calculated he walked the equivalent of three and one-half times around the world.
Willy enjoyed going fishing and hunting with his son. He also loved to golf with friends. Willy took great pride in his yard and loved to sit on his patio on cool, summer evenings.
Willy and Ione were active members of the LDS Church. Willy served in numerous callings, including financial clerk for 17 years in his ward in Montpelier.
Upon retirement, Ione and Willy traveled to Arizona in their trailer to escape the cold winter months of Idaho. The couple eventually moved to Washington, Utah, to take advantage of the warm winters. They enjoyed the company of many wonderful friends and family during their retirement years.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father and sisters, Mildred, Edrie and Norma. Willy is survived by his wife, Ione; and his son, Layne (Odetta) Wilcox; grandchildren, Marci (Sam) Katzenbach, Travis (Brenda) Wilcox, Tyler (Holly) Wilcox, Torry (Kelly) Wilcox, and Misti (Matt) Sudweeks; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 27, 2010, at Matthews Mortuary located at 702 Clay Street in Montpelier, Idaho, at 1 p.m. Internment will be at the Montpelier City Cemetery.