May 4, 1931-Jan. 7, 2024
Ronald G. Wilcox, age 92, passed away on Jan. 7, 2024, at his home in St. George, Utah. The oldest son of Carl N. Wilcox and Althea Wilcox (Garn), Ron was born May 4, 1931, in Tremonton and grew up in the family’s hometown of Fielding, a small farming community in northern Utah. As a youth, he enjoyed fishing with his father, riding horses, playing sports and spending time in the local canyons and hot springs and was a valuable member of the Bear River High School football team. He also took flying lessons, hoping to someday become a pilot and travel around the world. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he was introduced to what became a lifelong career in engineering.
Following his time in the service, he continued his studies at Utah State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering and over the course of his career worked as an engineer in both the automotive and aerospace industries for such companies as Ford Motor, McDonnell Douglass, Marquardt Corporation, and Northrop Corporation, where he was involved in the development of the Stealth Bomber. One of his favorite positions was test engineer for Rocketdyne, where he managed the entire process of testing small rocket engines from outline and instrumentation to final launch. His son often bragged as a child that, “My dad can fix anything!”
Ron’s career moved the family from Utah to California, Missouri, Michigan and back to California again before retirement brought him to St. George, Utah. In January 1954, Ron married Sharon Renee Robson of Plain City, whom he had met while both were visiting Yellowstone over a summer break. Exchanging vows in the Salt Lake City Temple, they began a married life of church and community service wherever they lived, including cherished time as ordinance workers in the Los Angeles Temple and as missionaries at the Cody, Wyoming Mural Visitor’s Center. Ron especially enjoyed his years as a volunteer with the Civic Arts Plaza Theater in Thousand Oaks, California, assisting patrons of the many theatrical productions. As for his dream of flying around the world, that was fulfilled as he and Sharon became world travelers, visiting Europe, Africa, Asia, Jerusalem, Japan and South America, and for many years owning a vacation home in Hawaii. Among Ron’s favorite adventures were two photo safaris to Africa and a 10-day deep-sea fishing expedition out of Baja California.
In his senior years, he was busy with early morning golf games and fishing trips with old friends, tending his vegetable garden and fruit trees, and visiting with the many fond family members who traveled to St. George to enjoy his life lessons and cheerful company. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a faithful friend and a humble follower of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years Sharon Wilcox (Robson) of St. George; his son Ronald Carl Wilcox and wife Victoria (Peirson) of Peachtree City, Georgia; his daughters Renee Taylor of St. George and Wendy Nissen and her husband Michael of Big Fork, Montana; his brothers Maurice G. Wilcox and his wife Karen, and Seth G. Wilcox and his wife Susan, all of Fielding. He also leaves behind 13 adoring grandchildren (Jennifer Wilcox Felsted, Heather Wilcox Shannon, Ashley Wilcox, Ross Carl Wilcox, Dustin Johnson, Christopher Taylor, Jacob Taylor, Kelsi Taylor, Briana Wilcox, Cameron Nissen, Haley Nissen, Reese Nissen, Quinn Nissen) and 8 great-grandchildren who loved their “great grandpapa” (Ethan Felsted, Elise Felsted, James Felsted, Nora Felsted, Alexis Shannon, Cole Shannon, Aria Shannon, Robin Chaucer Wilcox).
He leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His unwavering commitment to his faith, his profound humility and his deep reverence for all of creation serve as a guiding light in our lives.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 20, at 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4375 W 15600 N, Fielding, Utah. Interment will follow at the historic Fielding City Cemetery, final resting place of generations of Wilcox family members.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Ronald’s online guest book.