Obituary
Wilbur Howard Dicks (Sarge) was born in Cranford, NJ on April 19, 1930, to the late Charles and Ruth Harvin Dicks. Wilbur was one of five children. He is predeceased by his siblings Charles Dicks, Ruth Dill, and Frank Dicks (Florence). He has one surviving sister Mattie Walker, and a brother-in-law Ralph Dill, residing in NJ. Wilbur departed this life to be with the Lord on February 10, 2023.
Wilbur graduated from Jefferson High School, Elizabeth N.J. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and fought in the in Korean war. During his service he earned the Korean Service Medal with Four Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. He received an honorable discharge as a Sergeant after 4 years of service. Upon returning home, Wilbur became a Sheriff Officer for the Union County Sheriff’s department in Elizabeth, NJ where he worked for 28 years until retirement as a Sergeant. He was affectionally called “Sarge” by his friends. He was known for his quick wit, and contagious sense of humor.
Wilbur married his first wife Gloria Walters in 1961. Out of that union they had one daughter Adrienne Renata Dicks Baker (who Wilbur nicknamed “Adrinata”.) who made him a grandpa to his only grandchild, Jeffery Isaiah Fore.
On July 28, 1979, Wilbur married his present wife, Helen. After retirement they relocated to Florida in 1993 to join his brothers. Settling in Deltona Florida, they became members of a newly organized church New Hope where Wilbur devoted a lot of his time helping to develop and organize.
He was exceptionally good with his hands. He built bookcases, a cradle for one of the family babies, hope chest, and a lectern for the church. He also took classes in doll making with Helen, where he created “Grandma and Joey”. Wilbur’s favorite hobbies were fishing and working in his garden. He would often announce at family gatherings that the vegetables were home grown by “Yours Truly”.
Wilbur leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife Helen of forty-three years, daughter Adrienne Baker, Grandson Jeffrey Isaiah, of Union, NJ, Stepchildren: Elizabeth Keys of Deltona, FL, Richard Long Jr. (Paulette), Renee Okeke, and Daniel Long (Angie), of GA, Alex Long, (Adrienne) of Virginia Beach, VA. Wilbur leaves 14 Grandchildren, among which is Tony Long who loved and cared for him, also 12 Great Grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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