David Lee "Joe" Wilcox

David Lee "Joe" Wilcox, 77, of Beardstown, died Monday, October 9, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born January 21, 1946, in Beardstown, the son of Vern "Boy" and Audrey Montgomery Wilcox. He married Deborah Lindley on August 6, 1988, and she survived in Beardstown.

Two sons also survive him; David Wilcox of Jacksonville and Mike Chilton of Beardstown; four grandchildren; Lachana (husband Chris) Baker, Ashlyn (husband Koby Montgomery, Dakota Chilton, and Constance (companion James) Chilton; seven great-grandchildren; Cailen, Cadem, Cobain, Summer, Iris, Bellimi and Kellen; a sister Kathy (husband Charles Batterton; a bonus daughter Shelly Rankin of Rushville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Christopher, and a niece Gail Anne.

Joe graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1964. He was an upholsterer for 41 years, starting his career at Smitty's in Beardstown and Carter's Cut & Covers in Beardstown, which he and his mother purchased together. He crafted upholstery for antique cars, mainly the Ford Model A and T, motorcycle seat covers, and repaired anything that needed it. Two cars that Joe worked on are now in the Smithsonian Museum. In his younger years, Joe enjoyed archery and earned the Illinois State Championship title for his class in 1983. Joe was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown, serving on the church council, and helped implement the recording of services at the church. Joe was a member of the Ham Radio Club in Beardstown. He conversed with someone from every country except one, and his radio handle was KD9P. He was always learning and loved to read book after book. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, carving ducks, painting, repairing TVs, buying off eBay and Amazon, and constructing dulcimers. He had a passion for trying anything once. Those who loved him the most will miss his life on earth.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and there will be no formal services. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is overseeing the arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.