Walter F. “Bill” Wilcox, age 86, of Sweet Home passed away Friday, March 19, 2010. He was born in Moreland, Kansas to Trace and Edith (Powers) Wilcox.

Bill served in the United States Navy. He was discharged in 1947. He met Patricia in Shanghi, China after World War II. They married, and then returned to Sweet Home in 1947 where Bill’s parents were.

Bill worked for Union 701 as a heavy equipment operator. When he wasn’t working the the union, he found work driving for local logging companies.

He lived in Eureka a short time, and then returned to Sweet Home to work on the construction of both dams. He was forced to stop working and in 2001. He moved to Lebanon Rehab as he slipped into Alzheimer’s.

Bill was a member of the VFW, Elks, and assisted with Sportsman’s Holiday for several years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and cooking. He was an excellent chef. He loved shuffleboard. He was an avid reader of Louis L’Amour.

He is survived by: his wife, Patricia Wilcox; daughter, Edith Wilcox; sons, Mike (and Fonda) Wilcox, William “Bill” (and Paulina) Wilcox, Jim (and Lori) Wilcox, and Chris (and Becky) Wilcox; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters. He was the last of the siblings to pass away. He was also preceded in death by his great granddaughter, Caitlyn Easling, in 2007.

A viewing will be held from 5:30-7:00 p.m., Thursday at Sweet Home Evangelical Church. A funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, also at Sweet Home Evangelical Church. Final burial will be at Gilliland Cemetery with Military Honors.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.