Hazen Ray Wilcox

Wilcox, Hazen Ray, of Kalamazoo went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 after a brief illness. Hazen was born on February 11, 1929, in Lowell, Ml to D. Winton and Eva Wilcox. He was raised on a farm with his five siblings, Carlton, Joyce Ernie Baser, Denton, Wayne, and Gordon Marsha. He was a graduate of Lowell High School, and in 1949 married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Kuiper Wilcox. Together, they raised 5 children: Lee Donna Wilcox of Richland, Rex Wilcox Barb of Orleans, Kim Jackie of Vicksburg, Amy Wilcox Joe Woodruff of Kalamazoo and Jay Karen of Mattawan. His wife Darlene, grandson Sean Wilcox, and brothers Wayne and Carlton preceded him in death. Hazen was a hard worker throughout his years. He was employed at General Motors first in Grand Rapids, and then transferred to the new Kalamazoo plant for 42 years as a die maker; he also managed a farm and grew grapes and apples. He was a faithful Christian man. Throughout his long and blessed life, he liked to visit favorite restaurants, fish, read magazines, and work in his barn or yard. Indeed, a new tool or clever contraption would light him Up! He would make wood working items to give to others such as a child's riding/rocking horse, a dehydrator or a special mouse trap. He said he felt he lived at the greatest time. Anyone lucky enough to know Hazen will remember what a true gentleman he wasa�"a model for us all. He will be remembered by his children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his second wife, Linda Murphy Wilcox, who was his loving companion since they were married August 11, 2010. A service to celebrate Hazen's life will be held at 1:00 o'clock Monday, tomorrow November 26th, at the Lighthouse Community Church, 4321 South 11th Street, with Pastor Mark Swank officiating. A luncheon will follow. Friends may meet the family Monday, beginning at 12:00 noon at Lighthouse Community Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Lighthouse Community Church. The family is being served by the Langland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St.