Ernie John Wilcox

Ernie John Wilcox

Ernie John Wilcox
June 17, 1949 – May 4, 2015
Montezuma, Iowa | Age 66
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran

Ernest Wilcox, 66 of Montezuma passed away peacefully Monday, May 4, 2015 at his home in Montezuma.

Ernest John Wilcox, the son of Bevan and Ruth (Howell) Wilcox, was born on June 19, 1948 in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Ernie graduated from Montezuma High School with the class of 1966 and received his Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Missouri in 1970. Ernie was drafted with the United States Army in 1970, serving most of his time in Virginia before he was honorably discharged in 1972.

Ernie worked for Ideal Manufacturing in Oskaloosa for a brief time before starting Wilcox All Pro Tool East of Montezuma in 1973.

Ernie was an amazing inventor. At age 16, he began making tools in his parents garage and by age 19 he had his first U.S. Patent. Throughout his life he was the author of numerous patents.

Ernie was a member of the Montezuma United Methodist Church and the Blakely-Stevens American Legion Post #169 in Montezuma.

Ernie is survived by three brothers: James Wilcox of Deep River, Leigh (& Barbara) Wilcox of Des Moines and Daniel (& Elaine) Wilcox of Johnson City, TN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bevan and Ruth Wilcox; and a brother, Edgar Wilcox.

Memorial services will begin at 1:00 pm Friday, May 8, 2015 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma.
Military rites will be given by the Blakely-Stevens American Legion Post #169.
Burial will be held in the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma.
Memorial contributions may be made in the family’s name to go towards the Engineering program at the University of Missouri.