Garland Wilcox

Garland L. Wilcox, 90, North Manchester, passed away on Nov. 17, 2020, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center, North Manchester. Born on Sept. 19, 1930, in Wabash County, Indiana, Garland was the son of the late Ernest and Amelia (Rickert) Wilcox.  He was one of nine children, raised on the family farm near Urbana, Indiana.   

Garland served in the United States Army, was a Korean War veteran, and took great pride in his service to the country.  Garland was wounded in action and received a Purple Heart for his heroism.  After returning home from the war he met Lois J. Hapner, and they were married on Dec. 31, 1953.  They had two children, Randall and Deborah. They were married for just twenty-seven years before Lois unexpectedly passed away.

Garland loved being outdoors, whether it was farming, hunting, fishing or just spending time in the woods or around his pond. He enjoyed all aspects of nature and was a devoted steward of the land. Additionally, he installed floor coverings for thirty-five years.   

Fond memories of Garland will be forever cherished by his son Randall (Jan) Wilcox, Etna Green; daughter Deborah (Luke) Sorg, Huntington; brother Ernest Junior Wilcox, North Manchester; grandchildren Bryan (Mercedes) Wilcox, Valparaiso Angie (Shane) Meadows, Elkhart, Katie Wilcox, Elkhart, Indiana, Eric (Jay) Bunner-Sorg, Orlando, Fla., Craig (Stephanie) Sorg, Roanoke; and seven great-grandchildren.

Garland was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers Marcellus, Eugene, Marvia, Marion and Joe Wilcox; and sisters Maxine Schroll and Ruby Swihart.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 31, at Fairview Cemetery, County Road 300 East and County Road 1000 North, Servia, with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating.

For those wishing to make a memorial gift, Garland’s family would be honored by a contribution to the Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, PO Box 5, Huntertown, IN 46748, or a charity of your choice.

The family has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.