Clinton Dale Wilcox of Port Arthur, Texas, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the age of 88.

The youngest of nine children, Dale was born on December 31, 1927, in Oberlin, Louisiana to George and Lessie Wilcox. He was raised and attended school in Kinder, Louisiana.

At the age of 17 Dale left home to join the United States Merchant Marines from 1945 to 1947. He then joined the Texas Company (Texaco, Inc.) in 1947 as a third assistant engineer aboard their ocean going tankers until 1951. He volunteered for the United States Army and served in Korea as a Platoon Sergeant. Dale was awarded the Bronze Star and was honorably discharged in 1953. He returned to Texaco Marine until his retirement in 1983 after thirty-five years of service as a chief marine engineer.

An avid golfer, Dale played in numerous tournaments. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing the fiddle and watching sports, especially football and baseball. Dale was a member of the Propeller Club of America, American Legion and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association of America.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Virginia Chapman, Edna McDonald Curtis, Margaret “Madge” Mobes, and Joyce Holman; and brothers, William Wilcox and John Wilcox.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Genevieve “Jane” Durako Wilcox of Port Arthur, Texas; children, Diane Wilcox of Port Arthur, Texas and John Wilcox of Bridge City, Texas; sisters, Anna Lee Mitchell of Benton, Louisiana and Marjorie Rogers of Orange, Texas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.

In accordance with Dale’s wishes, a private cremation was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Parkinson’s Association, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, Florida 33131, The American Parkinson’s Foundation, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305, or the organization of one’s choice.

The family wishes to thank all the staff at Magnolia Manor in Groves for their kindness, care, and support.