E. Wilcox

ELWIN H. "WILLIE" WILCOX 83, of Central Lake, died Thursday, March 8, 2007 at home. Willie was born March 27, 1923 in Keenyville, Pennsylvania the son of Vern and Margaret (Wheeler) Wilcox. He graduated from Wellsboro, PA High School and enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 19, during WWII. He was stationed at various locations, one being Traverse City under special assignment involving the Military Drone Project, testing planes and equipment over Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. On March 10, 1946 in Central Lake he married Thelma Ann McDowell who survives. Willie was involved in many civic duties in Central Lake, including Life member of the Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, Councilman, and Village President. While working for the village DPW in 1966 he constructed the "Thurston Park Turtle" which children still enjoy today. He was recognized in July of 2006 for this accomplishment. He also constructed monuments to Martin and Ruth Smith, Central Lake Public Schools and Pappy Burnett. He served for many years in law enforcement as Village Police Chief, Antrim County Deputy, Undersheriff, and Sheriff for two terms. After retirement he and Thelma traveled west for many years to visit their children and grandchildren. He was always busy with projects and enjoyed making wooden crafts. Willie was known as a devoted family man with a great sense of humor. Surviving as well as his wife Thelma are daughters Suzi (Dennis) McGuire of Central Lake, Dorothy (David) Bart of Nevada, grandchildren (who called him Papa), Tiffany (Scott) Gilligan of Nevada, Brooke McGuire of Idaho, Ashley (Donavan) Eggleston of Central Lake, David and Andrew Bart of Nevada, great grandchildren Brock Gilligan and Alivia Eggleston, sisters Jean (John) Cooney and Joann (Jim) Fletcher of Wellsboro, PA, many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Carlyle and Russell and sister Eleanor Atherton. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 15, 2007 at Eleven a.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes, Rev. Powers Payton officiating. Interment will be in Southern Cemetery, Central Lake Twp. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials to the Central Lake First Congregational Church or the Northwest Michigan Hospice. Please send online condolences to www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com