CARIBOU – Merle T. Wilcox (Howdy Doody) passed away on Thursday, September 22, in Caribou. He was born to Mertie and William in Wade, on May 10, 1925, the tenth child in a family of 14 children.
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| Merle T. Wilcox |
During his ninety-one years, four months, and twelve days here with us, he was a devoted family man who loved spending time mowing the lawn, growing marigolds, feeding the fish in his pond, and spending several winters in Florida. He worked at Birdseye as a mechanic.
He married Rebecca M. Philbrook on January 22, 1944. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage before her death in 1999. Together they had three children: David, Michael, and Sylvia Hebert.
Big Foot, as he was often called, was a social man who always looked to enjoy a meal with friends, take in a parade, listen to live singing, to make dooryard visits, play bingo, and to make the train whistle!
He was predeceased by his wife, Rebecca; his oldest son, David Wilcox; and 12 of his siblings.
He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Marie Wilcox; son, Michael Wilcox and his wife, Betty; and daughter, Sylvia Hebert and her husband Richard. He has five grandchildren: Lory Wilcox, Trina Couture with her husband, Michael, Randy Hebert, Julie Webster with her husband Carl, and Vickie Hebert. He also was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Kelsey and Emma Couture, and Sarah and Grace Webster. He is also survived by one brother, Sterling Wilcox and sister-in-law, Mrs. Madeline (Roy) Wilcox; and special friend Eleanor Miville.
Friends and family called from 10-11 a.m., on Monday, September 26, at Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover Street in Caribou where funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Interment followed at Riverside Extension Cemetery, Washburn. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.lancastermorgan.com.
