Thomas J Wilcox, 85, of Moline, Illinois, passed peacefully at his residence on July 11, 2024.

Tom was born January 25, 1939, to Fred and Leigh Margaret Wilcox in Stockport, Ohio and spent his formative years in Marietta, Ohio. As a teenager, he moved with his family to California and became a standout high school baseball and basketball player. Following graduation, Tom signed a professional baseball contract with the Kansas City Athletics and played minor league baseball for four years.

In 1960, he left the ball diamond and enrolled at California Polytechnic University in Pomona, California to study Animal Husbandry. While working towards his degree he met fellow classmate Bonnie Ruwet and they married following graduation, thus beginning a 60-year journey together. They were both accepted to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and received their doctorate degrees in 1968.

Tom was soon hired by the Preemption Veterinary Clinic and settled in the Quad Cities where he and Bonnie would live together for the next 56 years. They practiced Veterinary Medicine, Tom specifically large animal, for over 25 years all while raising three children who continue to apply his instilled gift of continuous learning.

Following his retirement in the mid-1990's, Tom further engrossed himself in leisurely pursuits. He was an outstanding golfer known for spending countless hours on the driving range honing his skills. He also was a voracious reader, shrewd investor, superb gardener, avid fisherman, devoted sports fan, frequent op-ed writer for the Rock Island Argus, and in time, a first-rate cook.

Tom is survived by his spouse, Bonnie Wilcox; his three children, Rebecca Wilcox, Clayton Wilcox, and Zoe Wilcox; and his four grandchildren, Mo Cohen, Edgar Cohen, Bard Edrington VI, and Hoyt Wilcox; as well as his siblings, Jack Wilcox and Ellen Mahoney.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will take place at a later date. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wheelanpressly.com.