Charles H. Wilcox, 92, died peacefully at home on March 2, 2009, surrounded by people he loved. Born to Aurelius Jackson Wilcox and Cora Cowden Wilcox in Pleasant Hope, Missouri, Charles grew up with a devotion to family, a love of life, and a keen interest in sports. The youngest of ten children, Charles liked being with people and learned to express himself clearly in every circumstance. His love of sports led to success as a jockey, a bowler, a baseball catcher, and a coach of baseball and basketball. At his service stations, he and his employees worked hard, even when the price of gasoline dipped below twenty cents a gallon. During World War II, Charles served in the Army Air Corps. His love for the United States was always evident, and his work on behalf of veterans was deeply appreciated. He was a member and past commander of Kirby Wilcox American Legion Bicentennial Post 676, a past Department Commander of the State of Missouri, a coach of Parkview's American Legion Baseball Team, and a strong supporter of Missouri Boys State. Charles served in leadership positions with several civic organizations and led the Springfield Chapter of the American Red Cross. He and his family were long-time members of Central Christian Church where he served as a deacon and worked with children's programs. Several years ago, Charles and Bette became member of Brentwood Christian Church. While living part-time in Kimberling City, Charles and a few other residents felt a need to start a library. He became a founder and continuing board member of the Kimberling Area Library. The library volunteers and the patrons of the library, especially the children, brought him great pleasure. Over 40 years ago Charles began Wilcox Truck Line. He drove trucks, repaired them, and oversaw a growing business. Charles enjoyed his employees and was grateful for their commitment to the excellent service which was valued by the United States Postal Service. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Fred, Ray, Paul, Carl, Kenneth and Keith Wilcox; his sisters, Rena Cook, Lucille Brumley and Vera Romines; and by his son, Capt. Charles Kirby Wilcox. Charles is survived by his dearly loved wife of 67 years, Bette Wilcox; his cherished daughter-in-law, Linda Wilcox Lindsay; his devoted daughter and her husband, Patti and John Dusel; and his loving grandchildren and their spouses, Curt and Chrissy Lindsay, Brett and Candi Lindsay, Kirby and Angela Dusel, and Nicole and Paul Dorway. His great-grandchildren, Ryan Lindsay (and his mother, Kelly), J.R. Dusel, Nathan Dorway, Emily Dusel, Ava Lindsay, and Lincoln Dorway, brought him great delight. Charles adopted his neighbors Willie, Debbie, Austin and Chandler Grega, as his family, and thought of his long-time caregiver, Mary Baldwin, as part of his family too. The thoughtfulness of his many nephews and nieces was always appreciated. The family is deeply grateful for the caregivers of Home Sweet Home Care, who tenderly cared for Charles. The assistance of Community Hospice brought comfort to Charles and those who loved him during the last days of his life. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 9, in Brentwood Christian Church, with the Reverend Phil Snider officiating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will be in National Cemetery at 1 p.m. on March 9. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kimberling Area Library, P.O. Box 730, Kimberling City, MO 65686.