Kenneth Lee "Ken" Wilcoxson, age 69, of Warrensburg, formerly of Odessa, passed away Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born July 16, 1954, in Pekin, IL, the son of Julian Holland and Rose Marie (Green) Wilcoxson.

Ken was proud to be first chair for saxophone while attending Pekin Community High School. After graduation he began an electrician apprenticeship at Caterpillar Tractor.  After completing his apprenticeship, he joined the U.S. Navy as an Electrician's Mate 1st class submarine specialist. During his 20-year tenure in the Navy he continued training, specializing to become a nuclear reactor operator. He achieved the rank of chief petty officer, served on seven nuclear submarines: USS Batfish, USS Henry Clay, USS Ulysses S. Grant, USS Tennessee (Plank owner and commissioning crew), USS Pennsylvania (Plank owner and commissioning crew), USS Grayling, USS Jams K. Polk. His service took him to numerous duty stations. He received many awards and commendations in the Navy some of which are the Navy Expert Rifleman Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct Award (four times).

After retiring from the Navy, Ken worked as a maintenance electrician for International Truck and Engine in Ohio, and then in a nuclear power plant for PNM Public Service Company of New Mexico before a final forced retirement due to medical reasons.

On June 5, 2001, he and Belinda Bierbaum were united in marriage in Virginia Beach, VA.

Ken enjoyed an assortment of hobbies including ammunition reloading, competition shooting, playing pinball, boating, SCUBA diving, riding motorcycles, playing saxophone, and radio-controlled airplanes.

Ken leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Belinda Wilcoxson; his stepson, Robert (Cassandra) Moody; grandsons, Connor & Kason Moody; daughter-in-law, Amber Moody; granddaughter, Skye Moody; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Nola Bierbaum; and his stepson, Charlie Moody.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at the Missouri Veterans Home with Pastor Lawrence Adams officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Veterans Assistance League and can be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.