Don E. Wilcox

Don Edson Wilcox was born on May 24, 1932 to Edson Abner Wilcox and Fleda Marsha Wilcox (Bellows) in Arborville, NE. During his childhood the family made moves to Colorado and Oregon, then returned to Nebraska, settling in York. Don attended York High School, where he ran track and graduated in 1951. 

Following high school, Don enrolled at the University of Nebraska Lincoln from 1952 to 1953. He joined the United States Army, serving from June 1953 through June 1955, during the Korean War. Don was honorably discharged as an E-5 with duties in Power Production and Maintenance. Upon returning Don re-enrolled at UNL and completed his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting. 

While attending UNL Don met the love of his life, Cynthia Lee Lonsbrough. Together they were the perfect couple. On November 18, 1956, they married at St Paul United Methodist Church. Don and Cynthia made Omaha their home, where they raised their four children Gregory Edson, Douglas Clifton, Victoria Lee and Christopher Eric. During the early years, they went on many family camping excursions. A number of the trips were with St Paul Methodist Married Couples Group (MARCO). So many lifelong friendships were formed during that time. 

Don and Cynthia were instrumental in supporting Tech High School, where Cynthia was also a substitute teacher. Both of them were regular attendees at many sporting events, and helped operate the concession stands while cheering on their children. Cynthia passed away in July of 1980 and Don carried on with the upbringing of his kids. Don married Nedra Auch Moody in 1981. He helped raise his step daughters Amy and Callie. 

Don was a member of the Omaha Men’s Garden Club. He participated for over 40 years, including the annual plant sale and running the booth at the Omaha Home & Garden Shows. Don was a member at St Paul United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. As a devout Christian, he was a weekly churchgoer. Many members knew the Wilcox family at St Paul. 

One of Don’s lifetime highlights was being selected for a Korean War Vets Honor Flight to Washington DC, in March 2014. He was able to visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial and socialize with many fellow veterans. Don also participated in the 2018 State of Nebraska’s ceremony to recognize Korea War Veterans service.

 Don will be remembered as a loving, giving and supportive figure for his entire family. God gladly opened Heaven’s gates for him to enter.

Visitation: Thursday, March 5th from 5-7 PM with time to share at 6:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary on 108th and Maple.

Service: Friday, March 6th at 11:00 AM at St. Paul United Methodist Church at 5410 Corby st.

Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Following interment, there will be a luncheon back at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Please direct memorials to:

Omaha Education Association Foundation (OEA Foundation) for the Cis Wilcox memorial scholarship, in honor of Don Wilcox.

4202 South 57th st. Omaha, NE 68117