Dr. Roy Dell Wilcoxson, PhD

January 12, 1926 - December 9, 2017

Dr. Roy D. Wilcoxson, resident of West Plains, peacefully passed away Saturday morning, December 9, 2017 while at his home due to natural causes. Born January 12, 1926 in Kenilworth, UT to Roy Edwin and Bertha Maud (Karren) Wilcoxson, he was 91 years old. Roy grew up in Kenilworth, a small town in Carbon County, Utah along with his two brothers and two sisters. He attended the local high school until just before his senior year when he decided to selflessly serve his country during WWII. He enlisted into the United States Navy where he proudly served as a Pharmacist's Mate 2nd class. After his honorable discharge, he re-enlisted in the United States Air Force as a reservist as a 2nd Lieutenant until his retirement as a Captain in 1967. After his service, He then went to Utah State University where he completed his undergraduate studies. He then moved to Minnesota where he earned his Masters and PhD in Plant Pathology where he studied disease and disease prevention of wheat and barley. Dr. Wilcoxson was a faithful and life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a well respected member of the West Plains Ward. He served as Patriarch in the Church for 25 years, fifteen of which while he lived in Minnesota, and ten years here in West Plains. On April 15, 1949, he married the love of his life, Iva Wall, in the Logan Temple in Logan, UT. To this union, four children were born. Roy had many enjoyments in his life which included gardening, reading, family history and genealogy, and especially Church service. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren. Roy will be greatly missed by his family and those who knew him. Dr. Wilcoxson is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Garth Wilcoxson and Floyd Wilcoxson, and his sisters, Beulah Nichols and Dorothy Andereen. He is survived by his loving wife, Iva Wall Wilcoxson and his children: Bonnie Bailey, Paul Wilcoxson, Karren Ray Murray, and John Wilcoxson. He is further survived by 12 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Dr. Wilcoxson will be held Friday, December 15, 2017 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 2800 Christie Drive in West Plains at 2:00pm with Bishop Shane Wood presiding. Burial will follow with military honors at Howell County Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com