Richard W. Wilcoxen

Richard W. Wilcoxen 84, of East Peoria, formerly of Bartonville and Liverpool became absent from the body and present with the Lord on May 14, 2015 at 2:30 am at the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.  He was born on March 5, 1931 to Floyd L. and Corrine A. “Brownie” Warren Wilcoxen at home in Liverpool, IL.  He married his childhood sweetheart Donna J. Pollitt on September 29, 1950 in Canton, IL.  She preceded him in death on May 12, 2004.  He is survived by two children, Nancy Jo Lawless (Robert) of Bartonville and Rev. Richard Scott Wilcoxen (Sharon) of Niceville, FL.  Four grandchildren, Nathan (Jeanette) Kurth of Hanna City, Jared (Amanda) Kurth of Peoria, Daniel (Mary Ann) Wilcoxen and Ann E. (Joshua) Riggins both of Niceville, FL. He is also survived by eight great grandchildren, Zander and Hunter Kurth, August and Allison Kurth, Logan and Kinsey Wilcoxen and Isaiah and Elijah Riggins.  Richard is also survived by three brothers, Floyd E. (Sherill) Wilcoxen of Liverpool, James N. (Carol) Wilcoxen of Rural Lewistown, and Dale L. (Judy) Wilcoxen of Havana and many nieces and nephews.  Richard is also survived by his close friend and cousin, Don (Beverly) Wilcoxen of Canton.  The Family would like to express our love and gratitude to our “special” Aunt Norma Phelps, who helped us look after dad and her children who are like our own brothers and sisters, Doug, Barb, Greg, Clayton and Lenord for their love, concern and prayers.  Richard served in the Navy aboard the USS Pocono during the Korean War.  He worked in engineering at Caterpillar Tractor Co. retiring after 30 years of service.  After he retired, he and his wife Donna served in the RVICS “Retired Volunteers in Christ’s Service”.  They traveled the country in the “home on wheels” doing service projects for Christian schools, Churches and Bible Camps.  Richard was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church and served for many years as a member of The Monday Morning Work Group at Grace Presbyterian where he enjoyed serving the Lord by doing what he did best, fixing things that needed repair. He valued the friendship and fellowship he had with his fellow volunteers as they served the Lord together.  Funeral Services will be held at Murphy-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Canton, IL on May 19, 2015   at 11:00 A.M. with visitation an hour before the service.  The Rev. Scott Wilcoxen will officiate.  Burial will be in the Salem-Wilcoxen Cemetery.  In lieu of Flowers memorials may be made to the Central Illinois Riding Therapy 305 Neuman Dr. East Peoria, IL 61611, which great grandson Hunter is a member.  To view Richard’s memorial DVD or make online condolences to the family go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com