9:22 p.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at home after a long illness due to stroke complications. He was born April 7, 1934 to Hayes Earl and Florence Belle (Styer) Wilcox. On Oct. 24, 1954, he married the former Barbara Ann Walter, who preceded him in death Dec. 27, 1997.
Mel was valedictorian of his graduating class at Whetstone High School. He was a lifelong farmer and had previously worked at the former North Electric in Galion. Mel had also worked as a carpenter, sold seed corn and was a salesman for Mason Shoes. He enjoyed fishing and wood working. In his retirement, he anticipated spending the winters at his home in Inverness, Fla.
Surviving are his three children, Gwenda "Wendy" (Harold) Young, Melanie (Chuck) Vanderkooi and Robb Wilcox, all of rural Galion; four grandchildren, Brooke Wilcox, Ira, Isaac and Skye Vanderkooi; three great-grandchildren, Zachary Wilcox, Noah Vanderkooi and Shylee Mason; a sister, Mary (Rodney) Worden of rural Bucyrus; a sister-in-law, Tamara Coleman of rural Galion; nieces and nephews; and cousins. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William, at birth, and Robert.
Funeral Service will be Friday July 31, 2009 at 1PM in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Oxendine officiating. Calling hours will be Thursday from 6 to 8pm and one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Iberia Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to HomeCare Matters Home Health & Hospice in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at munzpirnstill.com