Wilbert L. Wilcox, age 90 of Monroe, passed away Monday, December 29, 2025 at Monroe Springs Nursing and Rehab.
Born April 10, 1935 in Tecumseh, MI, Wilbert was the son of the late Oscar and Ida (Meyer) Wilcox. The day after he graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army and left the next day for Boot Camp. He honorably served his country during the Korean and Vietnam Wars earning the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Bronze Star Medal w/OLC, Air Medal w/1 o/s Bar, Army Commendation Medal w/3 OLC, and the Good Conduct Medal Service Clasp w/1 Loop. He served for 20 years until being discharged on April 30, 1973.
Wilbert married Elisabeth Decker on April 20, 1957 in Rottenbach, West Germany. Together they raised four children. Sadly, she preceded him in death on June 24, 2004.
Once a civilian, Wilbert began another 20-year career as a Corrections Officer at the Milan Federal Correctional Institution. After retiring in January of 1994, he enjoyed coin collecting and lived a quiet life, devoting himself to his family.
Wilbert is survived by two sons, Charles Wilcox of Monroe, MI and James (Paula) Wilcox of Temperance, MI; daughter Cheryl (Charlie) Whitinger of Monroe; sister, Marianna Cross of Richland, WA; three grandchildren: Oliver Payne, Jason Wilcox, and Jennifer (Nathan) Harbaugh; two great-grandchildren, Audrey and Norah Harbaugh.
In addition to his parents and wife, Wilbert was preceded in death by a son, Kurt Wilcox, and two brothers, Ronald and Paul Wilcox.
Family and friends may visit from 12 p.m. until time of funeral at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6th at Bacarella Funeral Home. Military honors will be provided by Monroe VFW Post 1138 followed by Rev. Rick Massingill, pastor of North Monroe Street Church of God. After services, Wilbert will be laid to rest next to his wife at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .