Clifford Richard Wilcox

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Clifford Richard Wilcox on Nov 30, 2024, at the age of 92, in his long-time home in Three Forks, surrounded by his family.

Richard was born in Three Forks to Clifford H. and Kathryn (Van Horrsen) Wilcox on October 14, 1932, and was the eldest of 3, with Sisters Elaine (Lee Hain) and Nancy (Jim Anderson).

Richard was a predominant part of the Three Forks community where he worked, played and made many friends over the years.

He married the love of his life, Betty Lucille Bacon, on April 14, 1953

(Who, by the way, were both late for their own wedding due to dragging main.... their story!) and together, they spent the next 71-plus years raising their family in Three Forks and enjoying many adventures with family and friends.

Betty and Richard have four children: Janice (Bruce) Schendel (TF), Jo Ann Wilcox (Boz), Clifford Thomas Wilcox (TF), Joy (Vern) Osterberg (Spokane, Wash), and adopted daughter Laurel (Chuck) Bradbury Bolson. Their clan includes 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, plus many, many more who blessed their lives and were considered "their kids."

Richard's journey was a full one, which included hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycle riding with family and friends, traveling, reading, and helping others. He was also one of the first Boy Scouts in Three Forks.

He graduated from Three Forks High School in 1950 and continued his education at Montana State College for two years before volunteering for the draft. He came home long enough to get married and then spent the next 16 months in Korea during the Korean War. Upon his return, Richard returned to Montana State College and completed his education, obtaining a BA degree in Business/Accounting.

Following graduation, he was employed by the CA ranch until moving to Three Forks in 1962, where he was employed by Les Mertins at the Cut Rate Grocery. Betty and Richard then purchased the Cut Rate Grocery in 1972 and began their retirement in 1996.

Through the years, he was a member of the Masons, an American Legion member, a scout master, a Hunter Safety Instructor for over twenty years, served on the Logan landfill board, worked for Fish, Wildlife and Parks for twenty years, and was instrumental (with Betty) in establishing and operating the Three Forks Volunteer Ambulance. He also spent time as a volunteer handyman for the Three Forks Senior Center and was an avid Three Forks Wolf sports fan and a Three Forks Rodeo fan.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn and Clifford H. Wilcox, Sister Elaine Hain, sister Nancy Anderson, brother-in-law Jim Anderson, nephew Daniel Anderson, granddaughter Mallory Wilcox, and grandson Kendric (KB) Osterberg.

Richard is survived by his wife Betty, his four children, brother-in-law Bill (Shelly) Bacon, brother-in-law Lee Hain, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Our family would like to thank Crystal Marx, Cierra Meyers, and the staff of the Three Rivers clinic, Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, and K & L Mortuary of Three Forks for their love, patience, and assistance.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice.