Hampshire's druggist for 30 years

In any idealized portrait of small-town America in the last century, there's almost always a corner drugstore where the townsfolk meet and the neighborhood druggist knows everyone by name.

For more than 60 years in Hampshire, Wilcox Pharmacy was that drugstore, and first George Wilcox, then his son, Robert, was that pharmacist.

George started the pharmacy in 1919. Robert joined him in 1951 and worked alongside his father for the next 30 years, finally selling Wilcox Pharmacy in 1980.

Robert's children, Pete and Barbara, were the third generation to work in the drugstore, and Pete recalls his father's and grandfather's willingness to help sick people in town.

"They were very proud of the fact that anyone could call them at any hour of the day or night and open up the drugstore to get medicine to their sick kids," Pete Wilcox said.

Robert Wilcox, Hampshire's pharmacist for three decades and an active member of community organizations, died last week at his Hampshire home. He was 81.

Mr. Wilcox, a third-generation Hampshire resident, was involved in nearly every aspect of Hampshire -- the town's business community, religious life, athletics, celebrations and volunteering.

He was a charter member of the Hampshire Lions Club and was active in the club for more than 50 years, starting the annual golf tournament, which has raised thousands for the visually and hearing impaired.

Mr. Wilcox, who served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946, was also a member of American Legion Post 680 in Hampshire for 50 years.

"He loved the town of Hampshire and everything about it," Pete Wilcox said.

Mr. Wilcox is survived by his son, Pete; his daughter, Barbara; his grandchildren, Jeremy Wilcox and Rebecca Conner; and great-grandchildren Howard, Kaitlyn and Delilah Conner.

Memorials can be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, 297 E. Jefferson St., Hampshire, or to the Lions Club of Illinois Blind Foundation, 281 South Ave., Hampshire.

Wilcox was buried Thursday at St. Charles Borromeo Church, where he volunteered for many years and sang in the choir.