The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Clinton Dale Wilcox of Port Arthur, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the age of 88.

The youngest of nine children, Dale was born Dec. 31, 1927, in Oberlin, La., to George and Lessie Wilcox. He was raised and attended school in Kinder, La.

At the age of 17, Dale left home to join the United States Merchant Marines from 1945 to 1947. He then joined the Texas Company (Texaco, Inc.) in 1947 as a third assistant engineer aboard their ocean going tankers until 1951. He volunteered for the United States Army and served in Korea as a Platoon Sergeant. Dale was awarded the Bronze Star and was honorably discharged in 1953. He returned to Texaco Marine until his retirement in 1983 after 35 years of service as a chief marine engineer.

An avid golfer, Dale played in numerous tournaments. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing the fiddle and watching sports, especially football and baseball. Dale was a member of the Propeller Club of America, American Legion and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association of America.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Virginia Chapman, Edna McDonald Curtis, Margaret “Madge” Mobes and Joyce Holman and brothers, William Wilcox and John Wilcox.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Genevieve “Jane” Durako Wilcox of Port Arthur; children, Diane Wilcox of Port Arthur and John Wilcox of Bridge City; sisters, Anna Lee Mitchell of Benton, La. and Marjorie Rogers of Orange; as well as numerous nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.

In accordance with Dale’s wishes, a private cremation was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont under the direction of Broussard’s, Nederland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Parkinson’s Association, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, Florida 33131; The American Parkinson’s Foundation, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305, or the organization of one’s choice.

The family wishes to thank all the staff at Magnolia Manor in Groves for their kindness, care, and support.