Wilford "Woe" Maddox

Wilford "Woe" Maddox, 92, of Washington, passed away at 12:52pm Monday, October 13, 2025 at Carle Health Methodist Medical Center.
He was born April 8, 1933 in West Frankfort, IL to the late Oral and Fancy Wall Maddox. He married Delores Jean Nickelvich on August 11, 1951 in West Frankfort.
Surviving is his wife, Dee; their children, DeeEllen (Michael) Gibson of West Lafayette, IN and Tod (Karen) Maddox of Lafayette, IN; He was very proud of his four grandchildren, Alec Gibson of Lafayette, Ashley (Brent) Powell of San Angelo, TX, Stephanie Maddox (Toby Edmonds) of Lafayette, and Joshua Maddox of Pendleton, IN; and ten great-grandchildren, Colie, Kensington, Bexley, Violet, Millie Mae, Cameron, Hailey, Peyton, Miles, and Riley.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Estaleta Melvin and his brother, Wyndale Maddox.
Woe served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He went on to earn his bachelors degree from Bradley University. He worked 40 years at Caterpillar, serving as a welder until retiring in 1991. He also taught welding at ICC. Woe was a longtime, active member of Sunnyland Christian Church and was a Master Mason at Lodge 1143 for 55 years.
Woe always supported you with whatever you wanted to do! He loved going on annual fishing trips and family camping through the years. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed taking care of his yard. Woe also tinkered around with making things like birdhouses and windchimes.
Woe liked playing cards and Bunco which always brought times of fun and laughter with friends and family. At family reunions he got competitive when it was time to play a game called "Washers".
Woe was a pro-chef when it came to cooking on a waffle iron. He was best known for being "The Best Bacon Fryer". Also, Dad (Woe) always woke up Happy! He was singing every morning and sung "You Are My Sunshine" to Mom (Dee). Everyone that knew Woe, loved him!!
Visitation will be from 10:00am-Noon Monday, October 20, 2025 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington and conclude with Masonic rites. The funeral service will follow with Pastors Robin Robinson and Evan Williams officiating. Interment with military honors will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sunnyland Christian Church or Shriner's Hospitals for Children.