Alvie W. Wilcox, son of the late Henry Albert and Chloe Ann Rogers Wilcox, was born June 12, 1923, in Mounds, Ark., and passed away Nov. 19, 2009, at his residence in Senath, Mo., at the age of 86 years.

Mr. Wilcox was a veteran of the U.S. Army. As a young kid during World War II, Alvie was a member of the famous 82nd Airborne Division whose mission it was to parachute behind the German lines at midnight the night before to pave the way for the June 6, 1644 D-Day invasion of Normandy Beach. This was a new concept of warfare and no one knew what to expect in the way of resistance or casualties. Being scattered, they had to form up as best they could by the aid of little hand held clickers which more times than not drew enemy fire. The mission did succeed, however, and during the action

Private Wilcox suffered a shrapnel wound to his back for which he received a Purple Heart medal.  During this time, he picked up a second Purple Heart (Oak Leaf Cluster).

Alvie is survived by his wife, Zola Wilcox, of Senath; two sons, John Wilcox, and wife Terri, of Senath, and Leon Wilcox, of Senath; one daughter, Judy Casey, and husband Kevin, of Senath; one step-brother, A.W. McGue, of Michigan; two grandchildren, Amanda Lowry and Jennifer Farmer; four great-grandchildren, Britney and Stacey Lowry and Chloie and Alexis Farmer; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by two sons, James and Henry Elbert Wilcox; two grandchildren, Jason Wilcox and Amy Casey; two sisters, Hezel Damron and Louise Evans; a step-mother, Altie Wilcox; four step-brothers; and one step-sister.

Visitation was held on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the McDaniel Funeral Chapel in Senath. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., today, Sunday, Nov. 22, at the First Assembly of God Church in Senath with pastors Chuck Clark and Donald Sheerin officiating. Burial will follow in the McGrew Cemetery near Senath. Pallbearers will be Greg Gibson, Josh Gibson, Floyd Britton, Wally Brown, Ronnie Newman, Bob Kender, Kenny Gibson, and Kaven Holmes. McDaniel Funeral Service of Senath is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials are requested to be made to the First Assembly of God Church at Senath.

[ Source: Daily Dunklin Democrat, November 22, 2009]

Grave marker for Alvie W. Wilcox and spouse in the McGrew Cemetery, Senath (Dunklin county), Missouri.

Alvie enlisted in the Army at Jefferson Barracks, MO on 5 March 1943.

Pvt Wilcox participated in the jump into Normandy as a member of Company G and was wounded in action on 15 June 1944. 

He was again wounded in Holland on 23 September 1944.

Pfc Wilcox was awarded the Bronze Service Arrowhead awarded for his participation in Normandy assault as well as the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster.