Martin Aaron Wilcox—affectionately known to all as "M.A."—passed away peacefully on May 11 at the age of 91 surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Verneice, with whom he built a rich life full of love, family, and shared memories. M.A. was the proud patriarch of a large and lively family. He is lovingly remembered by his children: Debbie (Ramiro Garcia), Brenda (John Newcomb), and Dan (Gwen Wilcox). He leaves behind eight grandchildren—Aaron, Julie, and Greg Garcia; Kris and Kaitlin Wilcox; Nicholas, Lucas, and Johnny Newcomb—eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Born on January 29, 1934, in a farmhouse with a dirt floor in Loraine, Texas, M.A.'s early life was shaped by the Dust Bowl migration. In 1944, he and his parents, Martha and Oscar Wilcox, along with siblings Mae, Ray, and Betty, moved to Wasco, California. His youngest sister, Sandra, was born after the family settled in their new home state.

The Wilcox family expanded over the years as his siblings married: Mae to Larry Robertson, Ray to Joanne McCleod, Betty to Thurman Wood, and Sandra to Michael Bailie—bringing five beloved nephews into the family fold.

M.A. found early success in the Wasco FFA, winning Grand Champion Steer at the Kern County Fair in 1949. He graduated from Wasco High School in 1952 and married the love of his life, Verneice Tait, in 1956.

He dedicated 34 years of service to Maple School as head of maintenance and a bus driver, retiring in 1996. Generations of students knew and respected him as "Mr. Wilcox."

A true outdoorsman, M.A. embraced life on the land and in the water. He loved fishing, hunting, boating, and especially water-skiing—becoming a skilled boat driver who taught countless kids to ski. His home was always full of life, with game birds, pets, and farm animals. Some of his happiest moments were spent in Morro Bay, around a bonfire, watching the sunset with family and friends.

For 57 years, he was a faithful member of Olive Knolls Church of the Nazarene, always seated in the back right pew—quietly steadfast in his faith and community.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday, May 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter. A graveside service will follow on Friday, May 23, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wasco Cemetery, with a reception afterward at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter.

Please join us in honoring and celebrating the remarkable life of Martin Wilcox—a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose legacy of kindness, hard work, and family devotion will live on in all who knew him.