John Fredrick Wilcox

Known to everyone as Fred, he was born on Sept. 1, 1929 near Eureka Springs,AR. He came into the world at 14 lbs., and remained "larger than life" from them on.

He married his true love Ollia Mae "Christine" (Hawkins) in 1950 and spent 73 years with her before she passed away in 2023.

Fred served in the US Army during the Korean War, where he was wounded in battle and received a purple heart. He worked at Ethicon Suture, a division of Johnson & Johnson, in Chicago for more than 40 years, and relocated to Rogers on his retirement. He was a mean Scrabble player and enjoyed picking his guitar and singing classic country tunes. He was dedicated to the Lord, his family and friends, and his little dachshund Nubbin.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his mother, Grace McCabe, and his beloved daughter Janet Wilcox Schue.

He is survived by his son Michael (Liz), son-in law Dale ,seven grandchildren, Dale S. Schue, Victoria (Daniel) Michalek, Cormac, Caty, Eamon, Declan and Darrien Wilcox, and two great-grandchildren, Malcolm and Elijah Michalek. Also dear friend Jeanne Simmons who was a trusted caretaker to both Fred and Christine for many years.

Practical, tough, and pragmatic, Fred lived and died on his own terms, and the family is respecting his wishes, visitation will be held at Rollins Funeral Home on Thursday, July 9, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Fayetteville National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.

They are rejoicing in the knowledge that he has been joyfully reunited with his wife and daughter, which is exactly what he longed for.