Warren Wilcoxson

William Warren "Papaw" Wilcoxson, beloved husband, father and grandfather, entered into eternal rest on July 20, 2010, after a long fight with cancer at his home in Safford, surrounded by his loving family. Warren was 77. Warren was born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma on September 25, 1932 to Lessie Esther and Jewel Wilcoxson. He was the oldest of five children. Warren joined the US Navy and served during the Korean War. While serving in the Navy in California, he met Donna Walker. They were married in Compton, California on February 13, 1953. The couple lived in California for 17 years, where they were blessed with three children. In 1970 Warren moved his family to Arizona where he worked on and off for the mine. Warren took a position as a welder for Phelps Dodge in 1973. He was employed at Phelps Dodge until 1982, when he retired and moved his family to Arkansas. In 1992 Warren and Donna moved back to Arizona due to Donna's health issues and to be closer to family. Warren had MANY interests, hunting, fishing, boating, scuba diving, professional desert off road racing (Baja), wood working, camping and gold prospecting, just to name a few. Warren was a private pilot, and built his own plane. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, but the pastime that Warren enjoyed the most was studying the Bible. Warren's greatest wish was that everyone come to know the Lord. During one point, Warren served as a special deputy for the Greenlee County Sheriff's office and also a member of the Greenlee Co Search and Rescue. He also served as a group leader for the Royal Rangers Church group. Warren was preceded in death by his parents, sister Norita Stone of Pima, AZ and daughter Kathy Murillo of Tucson, AZ. Warren is survived by his wife of 57 years, Donna and their children Debbie Brinkley and her husband Mark, of Chandler, AZ, and their two children Wesley and Lisa, also of Chandler,. AZ; Doug Wilcoxson and his wife April of Safford, AZ; Donnita Coonts, Warren and Donna's niece whom they raised from an early age and her husband Arles, and daughter Haylie of Mt Judea, AR; grandchildren Kane Murillo of Harrison, AR; Amanda Bishop of Tucson, AZ and Albert Murillo of Tucson, AZ. Great-grandchildren James Lee Bishop of Tucson, AZ; Vanessa Williams, Mathias Williams of Jasper, AR; and Drake Goodwin of Chandler, AZ; brother Charlie Wilcoxson and his wife Neola of Duncan, AZ; sister Fran Kring and her husband Joe of Buckeye, AZ, and sister LaVonne Spradlin and her husband Alvin of Queen Creek, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. Warren was a caring and funny man who will be greatly missed by all that knew him. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Warren's name be made to the Mt. Graham Cancer Center, 1600 S. 20th Ave., Safford, AZ 85546. Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the Safford Cemetery by Pastor Brad Boyd. Facts Born: September 25, 1932 Place of Birth: Broken Bow, Oklahoma Death: July 20, 2010 Place of Death: Safford, Arizona Occupation: Welder Services Graveside Saturday July 31, 2010, 10:00 AM at Safford Cemetery Click for Map and Directions