IN MEMORIAM

By Staff
Published on June 1, 1995

RICHARD H. (DICK) WILCOX, 72, of Marcellus, New York, passed
away on September 22, 1994. Dick was born on July 25, 1922, in
Fayetteville, New York. He moved to Borodino, New York, at the age
of two.

He enlisted in the 108th Army Air Corps at the age of eighteen.
He became a P-51 fighter pilot in World War II, and later an
instructor at West Point. After his Army tour was over, he married
Leona Murphy of Otisco Valley, New York. They have three children:
Jerry, Gary, and Christine.

Dick was a self-employed contractor, being in the excavating
business, and later years home building, plumbing, heating, and
electrical.

Being an accomplished machinist, Dick built and displayed many
interesting models. He also collected and restored gas engines and
tractors. He was a member of various clubs, including Hay Creek
Valley Historical Association, the Southern Tier Antique Gas and
Steam Engine Association, and the New York State Gas and Steam
Engine Association. Dick also owned a Cessna 150 which he enjoyed
flying. I was privileged to know Dick but for a few short years; we
became good friends. He was always willing to help out, and was
interested in seeing the younger members’ involvement in this
hobby. He will be missed by all who knew him. Thanks Dick, it was a
pleasure knowing you!

Submitted by Rick Collis, 787 Markham Hollow Road, Tully,
New York 13159.

I enclose an obituary (above right) for BOBBY THURMAN, who was a
member of the Georgia Antique Engine Club.

Submitted by Frank Canfield, 1584 Drayton Woods Dr., Tucker,
Georgia 30084.

In memory of KENSEL (KENNY) KILEN of Tiffin, Ohio, who died
February 28, 1995, following a short illness.

Born March 11, 1908, he married Mattie Mathias on January 11,
1941. She survives, also three sons, eight grandchildren, and six
great-grandchildren.

Kenny was a member of the First Assembly of God Church, and the
Seneca Antique Machinery Association.

He worked at the National Machinery Company for 27 years and was
retired from there for 27 years.

He loved going to the shows and tinkering in his workshop. He is
very much missed by his family and many friends.

Submitted by his son, Dave Kilen, 965 N. Twp. Road 73,
Tiffin, Ohio 44883-9654.

JESSE DOBSON passed away February 1993. He was an engine
collector and attended many shows. He is survived by Arlene Dobson,
his wife.

I have Jesse’s 3 HP Reeves and his 1972 -ton Chevy truck he
took to the shows. Many of his old friends recognize the truck at
shows and will sit and talk about their memories of Jesse. Jesse
was responsible for my interest in old iron. I am new at the
antique engine and tractor area but since attending shows in
Kentucky, Indiana, and Oklahoma, I can assure you that you
won’t meet nicer people anywhere.

Submitted by Chester Davhson, 3101 St. Anthony Gardens Drive
#9, Louisville, Kentucky 40214.

It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of EARL
W. HILL SINGER. a frequent contributor to GEM, including the cover
picture and story in September ’86. Earl held membership in
about every club in central New York and surrounding areas. He also
corresponded and shipped parts, ‘as patterns to be cast’ to
people as far away as Belgium.

I guess three things can be said: 1) It came quick; 2) He will
be missed by friends around the world; 3) God must have needed some
help restoring rusty iron.

Submitted by Barry T. Mugglin, 6467 Co. Rt. 4, Central
Square, New York 13036.

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