Carl Phillip "Phil" Wilcoxson

Carl Phillip Wilcoxson's life began in Horse Cave, Kentucky, in September 1940 as the son of Ruth (Geralds) and Virgil Allen Wilcoxson.  At the age of eight, he moved to Indiana, where he attended school in Edinburgh and graduated in 1958. Soon after, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the Navy, proudly serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. During that time, he met his beloved wife, Bonnie. After completing four years of service, Phil and Bonnie returned to Edinburgh, where they built a life rooted in love, family, and community. Together, they raised three children, David and Merica (Woods), who survive him, and Logan, who preceded him in death.  His legacy continues through his five grandchildren, Elena Crosier, Laurel Wilcoxson, Noah Wilcoxson, Merrin Woods, and Sarah Wilcoxson, and his precious great-granddaughter, Charlotte Crosier.

After his military service, Phil dedicated 34 years to Cummins Engine Company before retiring. Retirement opened a new chapter of service, friendship, and adventure for Phil and Bonnie. Together, they gave their time and energy to building and maintaining hiking trails, often traveling beyond Indiana to volunteer in national forests and state parks. Phil served as a crew leader for Volunteer Vacations in places from New York to Colorado, sharing his steady work ethic and love of the outdoors with others. He also gave his time to Habitat for Humanity builds in Mississippi and in his own hometown, reflecting his lifelong willingness to help where he was needed. Their love of the outdoors led Phil and Bonnie to complete section hikes on the Appalachian Trail, covering more than 700 miles of the journey between Georgia and Maine. Even when he was in the woods or traveling Phil remained deeply connected to Edinburgh. As a member of the Edinburgh Antique Club, the American Legion Post 233 and the Edinburgh Alumni Association, he continued to serve the community he called home. He was always ready to lend a hand, whether through local activities or by clearing sidewalks and driveways with his snow blower when winter weather arrived. In 2023, Phil was honored to be included on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., a meaningful recognition of his service in the Navy and his dedication to his country.

Phil's life was marked by quiet generosity, steady devotion, and a genuine willingness to help others. He will be remembered for his warm smile, the stories he loved to tell and  his caring spirit, and the simple kindness he shared so freely. Those who knew and loved him will carry forward the memory of a man whose presence brought comfort, strength, and goodness to his family, his friends, and his community.

There will be a Memorial Service at 12:00 PM on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Eskew-Eaton Funeral Home in Edinburgh, Indiana. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until time of service, followed by a procession to the Rest Haven Cemetery in Edinburgh, Indiana for a Veterans Memorial Service.