Maurice Wilcox

Maurice G. Wilcox “Papa” loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, just days before his 92nd birthday. Maurice was born in Fielding, Utah on December 20th, 1932 to Carl Nordberg Wilcox and Althea Garn Wilcox, both lifelong residents of Fielding. He was raised on the family farm, learning the value of hard work and the love of animals.

After graduating from Bear River High School, Maurice enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California. At Edwards, he served on the 6515th Flight Line Maintenance ground crew developing jet engine technologies for both bomber and fighter aircraft in pursuit of Mach speed of sound records.

Maurice was a great athlete. During his military service, he further developed his “fast-pitch” softball skills as the pitcher for the squadron’s softball team. The highlight of his career was winning the Base softball championship with a record of 12 wins and no losses. He pitched 3 one-hit games, averaged 11 strikeouts per game, had a hitting average over .400, and was named the league MVP. Returning home, Dad continued to play softball for many years on local teams (Erroll’s American) competing in Ogden sponsored leagues and here in the Bear River Valley. Dad also enjoyed playing church basketball on the Fielding team coached by his father. The Fielding team was very successful winning several Divisional tournaments and the “All Church” Sportsmanship Trophy in 1965.

After his service in the Air Force, he returned to Fielding and fell in love with Karen Wood, the girl across the street. They were married in the Logan Utah Temple on September 11, 1958, and built a wonderful life and family together in Fielding for 66 years. To support his family, Maurice worked at Thiokol Chemical Corporation for 34 years, working on solid-propellant rocket motors that powered both military missiles and NASA space shuttles. Additionally, while working at Thiokol, Maurice inherited the family farm at age 32 when his father passed away suddenly. The farm was awarded Century Farm status for its 100 years of existence. He loved his farm, but his great love was his horses. He participated in cutter (chariot) racing as a member of the Bear River Valley Cutter Association for nearly 30 years, moving on to flat track racing and pleasure riding in his later years. Dad was so proud of colts that he raised, especially Kellie’s Chick which went on to become a NFR qualified champion barrel racer.

Maurice was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in many callings including counselor in the bishopric of the Fielding Ward. Maurice worked hard all his life both at Thiokol and taking care of horses, cows, and crops on the farm to support his wife and family. He often expressed how grateful he was for the great life he’d had, and his wonderful family. He kept his quiet demeanor and quick wit until the very end. We will miss him, and will never forget the lessons he taught us, to take care of your family and stewardships, work hard, and to be thankful. 

Maurice is preceded in death by his brother Ronald G. Wilcox, granddaughter Amanda Jo Whiteley, and great-grandson Stetson Peterson. He is survived by his eternal companion, Karen Wood Wilcox, and children Sheldon (Diana) Wilcox, Dallen (Linda) Wilcox, Diana (Richard) Balling, Amy Jo (Mitchell) Whiteley, and Jeremy (Tiffany) Wilcox. Affectionately known as “Papa”, he is also survived by 15 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. 

Services will be held on Saturday, December 21st at 12:30 P.M. with a viewing held prior from 11:00 - 12:00. All services will be held at the Fielding Stake Chapel, located at 4375 W. 15600 N. in Fielding, Utah. Burial with military honors at the Fielding City Cemetery will follow. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.