John Wilcox, 86, of Sterling, died Feb. 22, 2012, in Sterling. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, with Vigil Service and Rosary to follow. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at Knights of Columbus Hall, with the Rev. Robert L. Wedow officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

John was born Feb. 5, 1926, in Sterling to Floyd and Viora (Stillabower) Wilcox.

He entered the U.S. Army during World War II on Sept. 13, 1944, and was honorably discharged on June 30, 1946. He was an MP, receiving the good conduct medal.

John and his brother, Lloyd, owned and operated the gas station on South Division from 1962 to 1972. They worked at John Deere and were in the trucking business and farmed together for several years. John retired from farming in 2006.

On Aug. 17, 1963, he married Margaret Lawrenson in Sterling.

John was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church.

He is survived by his son, Ron Wilcox and wife Sandy of Sterling; sister, Faye Skarka of Sterling; and grandchildren, Lisanna Wilcox, Amanda Wilcox-Waller and Ryan Wilcox.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret Wilcox in 2004; a baby sister; sister, Doris Nicholson; and brother, Lloyd Wilcox.

Memorials may be made to John Wilcox Memorial.