Obituary of Kenneth C. Wilcox

Kenneth C. Wilcox, Sr. 81, of Afton, NY, peacefully passed away, while surrounded by his loving family, on April 15, 2017 at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, NY. Ken was born February 11, 1936 in Amityville, New York to the late William and Gladys Wilcox. Ken was predeceased by his sons Robbie and Jimmy. He is survived by his wife, and the love of his life for sixty years, Elizabeth (Betty) Wilcox. His brother James (Joan) Royston of Afton, NY. Children: Ken, Jr. (Shelly) Wilcox, of Binghamton, NY, Dawn (Michael) Thrower of Brunswick, GA, Mary Jane (Jon) Ball of Hiram, GA, Susan Wilcox of Afton, NY, Liz Wilcox of Afton, NY, and Megan (Tom) Lander of Binghamton, NY. Grandchildren: Christopher (Brittany) Caracciolo, Michael Wilcox, Courtney Ball, Ashely Ball, Rachel Wilcox, Jonathan Ball, Lauren Ball, Brandon Thrower, James, David, Emily, Mathew and the soon expected baby Lander. Great granddaughter Rosalie Caracciolo. Ken was a long-time member of the First Baptist church in Afton, NY where he served as both a Trustee and Deacon. He was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, attached to the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He later became a chaplain for the American Legion. Ken attended Hofstra University and Liberty University where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree. As a hobby, Ken enjoyed auto racing. He competed at tracks on Long Island, and in Pennsylvania and upstate New York. One of his favorite pastimes was having coffee with friends, either at home or the Sidney McDonalds. Ken was very passionate about sharing his Christian faith wherever he went. But most of all, Ken was a family man. He enjoyed spending his time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Friends may call on Thursday, April 20, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at C. H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main Street, Sidney. Services will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 11:00 at the First Baptist Church of Afton, Rev. Chris Prezorski presiding. Burial with military honors will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Afton. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Orphan Cry International through their website at orphancryinternational.org or by mail at Orphan Cry International, PO Box 3, Bible School Park, NY 13737. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.