Frederick Wilcox

Frederick Durck Wilcox, age 84, of Harlingen, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 12, 2017. Fred was born on May 2, 1933 in Moweaqua, Illinois.

Following high school graduation, Fred served as a radio operator in the US Air Force, in Germany, for four years. He then graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. While at Eastern, he met his beloved wife of 58 years, Linda Parker.  Fred went on to earn a master’s degree from Illinois State University and a second master’s degree in biology from the University of North Carolina. He was a teacher and head of the science department for nearly 30 years at Grant Community High School in Fox Lake, Illinois.

Fred had many passions in life: first and foremost his family as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, walleye/trout fishing (or any fishing), golf, bridge, world travel, steaks on the grill, ballroom dancing, birding, Lake Vermilion, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Chicago Bears football, and coaching little league baseball. He was a Christian and longtime member of the United Methodist Church.  Fred and Linda retired to South Texas in 1995.

Fred is survived by his wife Linda, son Jeffrey P. Wilcox (Maureen) of Vienna, Virginia, daughter Susan E. Partridge (Craig) of Prescott, Arizona, his loving grandchildren Curtis (Rachelle), Nicholas, Laura, Sarah, Jacqueline, and his devoted poodle, Angel. Fred is also survived by his sister Angela Stoen of Paynesville, Minnesota. He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Ruth Wilcox (Durck) of Moweaqua, Illinois, and his sister Jane Vest of Decatur, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Fred's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or the Humane Society of Harlingen, 1106 Markowsky, Harlingen, TX 78550.