Donald Ray Wilcox, age 84, passed away on March 11. He was born on July 22, 1941, in Monte Vista, Colorado, to Alfred Eugene Wilcox and Helen Rowe.

Don was a proud graduate of Monte Vista High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force. During his service, he was stationed in Hawaii, where he developed a lifelong love of photography while carrying out his duties.

Following his military service, Don worked for 23 years as a lineman and later as a switch office technician for the telephone company. True to his Western roots, he also spent time cowboying with friends in the Norwood, Colorado area—an experience that reflected his deep love for ranch life and the outdoors.

Don was a member of the Montrose Sheriff’s Posse and the Norwood Roping Club. He found great joy in camping, fishing, horseback riding, dancing, and roping. Horses were his true passion, and even in his later years, he could happily spend hours watching rodeos. His lifelong dream was to get on the back of a horse “just one more time.”

Above all else, Don fiercely loved his family. He treasured his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and especially enjoyed watching the grandkids’ sporting events.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Eugene (Gene) Wilcox and Helen Rowe; his brother, Robert Wilcox; his sister, Sharon Smith; and his grandson, Brandon Sanchez.

Don is survived by his brother Larry (Gail) Wilcox, his ex-wife and best friend, Patricia Wilcox (Davis), brother-in-law George Davis, his daughters, Tana (Greg) Irwin, Donna (Ray) Sanchez, and Kaustine Wilcox; his grandchildren Jamie (Harvey) Irwin, Edward “Andy” (McKayla) Jensen, Darrel (Samantha) Jensen, Donica Heldman, Valerie Heldman, and Tori (Zach) Heldman, and Monica (Jacob) Sanchez; his great-grandchildren, Addison (Jae), Bronson, Levi, Henry, Desler, Hayden, Brodie, Aspen Taliah, Raiden, Aurelius, Alycianna, Orion, Rhea, and Tycho; and his great-great-granddaughter, Wrenlee.

In accordance with Don’s wishes, no formal service will be held. The family plans to gather this summer on the Lone Cone for a celebration of life in his honor.

Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to the Norwood Roping Club or to Hospice – HopeWest Care Center.