09/16/2016
Mary Jo (Chambers) Wickliff was born on September 2, 1930, in Knoxville, Iowa. She was the daughter of Frank and Cleta (Mart) Chambers.
Donald Merwin Wickliff was born on January 16, 1930, also in Knoxville. He was the son of Ernest Lawson Wickliff and Adda Mae (Curtis).
Mary Jo and Donald were classmates and both graduated from Knoxville High School with the class of 1948.
Mary Jo and Donald were married on September 4, 1949, at the United Methodist Church in Knoxville. They shared 71 years together.
Donald began his career as a forest ranger in Idaho and later moved back to Knoxville where he was employed with Goodyear Company, becoming the youngest manager in the company.
Donald retired after 36 years of service in 1985. Mary Jo was proud of her career, retiring as the executive secretary of the president of Contel telephone company. Donald and Mary Jo enjoyed traveling together.
Donald was a proud member of the Marion County Sportsman’s Club and the Iowa State Trap Association where he served as the SE Iowa Zone Director. Mary Jo enjoyed crafts and membership in the Laureate Alpha Kappa sorority.
Donald passed away on September 16, 2016, at the age of 86.
Mary Jo passed away on July 15, 2018, at the Accura Healthcare Center in Knoxville, Iowa at the age of 87.
They are survived by their daughter, Pam Wickliff-Lane, grandsons, Curtis (Amiee) Cupples, and Kevin (Heather) Cupples, all of Knoxville, Iowa, great grandchildren, Zach, Rylee, Kallee, and Malloree.
Donald and Mary Jo were the last surviving member of their original families, they were preceded in death by their parents and siblings.
Private Graveside services will be held
Monday, July 23, 2018
Graceland Cemetery, Knoxville, Iowa
Memorials for Mary Jo may be made to the Laureate Alpha Kappa sorority,
memorials for Donald to the Marion County Sportsman’s Club.