WILCOX, HAROLD F.

Harold “Bud” Wilcox, 91, of Gladstone, Missouri, died October 4, 2016. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lenore (Hewling) Wilcox; brothers, Derald and Dewane; sisters, Bernice, Lucy, Patti and Marie; and daughter, Reyne. He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Talhou; and daughters, Yvonne Miller (Jesse), Lea Ann Baxley, Susan Arnone (John) and Julie Rupp (Craig). He is also survived by 2 brothers, 4 sisters, 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Bud was born November 26, 1924 in Canton, SD and grew up in Sioux Falls, SD. After working and graduating from high school in Seattle, Bud proudly returned home to join the Marines to serve his country. As a young Marine, Bud served as one of Carlson’s Raiders and received 2 Purple Hearts for injuries received during conflicts in Guam, Bougainville Island, and Guadalcanal. A Devil Dog to the very end, Bud was instrumental in procuring the Missouri Purple Heart License Plates for veterans in 1992, while serving as commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 115. It was his passion to be a Patriot in every aspect of his life and participated in so many military ceremonies and functions across the country that are too numerous to mention. He always had a story to tell; also too numerous to mention.

His passing will leave a void in his family and community. Bud truly believed that “Marines Never Die, They Just Go to Hell and Regroup.” – Semper Fi.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 6, 2016 from 6-8 pm at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road Gladstone, MO. Rosary will be at 10:00 am, Friday, October 7th, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Gladstone. Burial to follow with full military honors at White Chapel Cemetery.