Frank N. Wilcox

July 23, 1921 – May 12, 2016
With great sadness, the family of Frank N. Wilcox announces his passing during the early morning hours on May 12, 2016. He will be greatly missed as a loving, intelligent, compassionate and hard-working man.

Frank was born to Faye and Helen Wilcox in Owanka, South Dakota. He was the second child of five.

Frank’s family lived in South Dakota and moved to Greeley Colorado during the Depression. He met Velda Scott while working as a well driller and they were married on May 24, 1942. He enlisted in the Army in November of 1942, and was assigned to the Signal Corps. He was attached to the 20th Air Corps, working on communications in India where he remained until December of 1946. Frank was quickly promoted to the rank of Master Sargent, but he turned down field commissions so that he wouldn’t be further delayed in returning home. Frank was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.

Upon returning to the States, Frank and Velda moved to Boulder, Colorado. There he began studying Civil Engineering at the University of Colorado in Boulder, while trying to start a family. However, Velda became ill, forcing him to stop his college career. Frank then began his career working for the Federal Government repairing communication lines on military installations. This lead to a position in communications at White Sands Missile Range and eventually into satellite communications.

As with his time in the Army, Frank quickly distinguished himself and rose to the top, achieving the position of West Coast Director in 1970.

Frank and Velda loved to travel, and especially loved the northwest. After retiring in 1976, Frank moved his family to Grants Pass, Oregon. With his prowess in design and building, he single-handedly created their large home on 11 acres. There, Frank and Velda raised their two children and were actively involved in all of the school and extracurricular activities such as being volunteers and chaperones.

In 1986, Frank and Velda returned to Las Cruces, New Mexico, and then to Ft. Collins, Colorado for several years. This is where they had lived after WWII. However, they eventually returned to Grants Pass, Oregon to be near grandchildren.

Any mention of Frank’s children and grandchildren would bring a smile to his face. He loved to talk about his family and took great pleasure in attending their events.

He was preceded in death by his parents Faye and Helen; as well as his siblings, Kenneth Wilcox of Sheridan Montana, Russell Wilcox of Merced, California, Perry Wilcox of Denver, Colorado, and Elizabeth Bucci of Denver, Colorado. His adoring wife of 61 years, Velda L. Wilcox (Scott) also preceded him in 2003.

He is survived by his son Kenneth K. Wilcox, (Marilyn Wilcox) of Grants Pass Oregon; his daughter, Wendy Wilcox Elwell (David Elwell) of Lake Forest California; six grandchildren, Shannon Wilcox, Kimberly Wilcox, Russell Wilcox, Kevin Wilcox, Kaleigh Elwell and Hunter Elwell; three step-grandchildren, Matt Lamont, Katie Thayer, Kelsey Helm; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Frank loved his family more than anything and was a proud and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Frank genuinely touched the lives of all who knew him through his caring intellect and warm nature. We will carry this quiet gentleman’s decency and example forward, and we will treasure his spirit forever.

Services will be held Friday, May 27th at 11:00 a.m., at Hillcrest Cemetery in Grants Pass, Oregon. Donations may be made in Frank’s honor to Lovejoy Hospice, 939 S.E. 8th Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526.