Richard Harold Silcox

Richard H. Silcox lived his life for his family and friends. No excuses, no complaints. He set an example of hard work and effort. He taught us that just enough is never enough. We must always do more. He expected a lot but gave so much more. He believed family always came first.

Dick will always be remembered as everyone's best friend. He worked hard and played hard. You can always count on Dick for a great joke.

Dick was born March 22, 1935 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The son of Harold and Alma Lou (Norris) Silcox. Passed away September 20, 2023. He attended P.S. 33. He climbed over the fence in 1946 to watch his first 500 mile race since WWII. He became an avid race fan while selling newspapers at the track until he graduated from high school. He missed one race while in the air force but attended every race until 2018 for a total of 71 races. In high school, he became the Indianapolis Star yo-yo champion and then won a magazine contest for a trip to Mexico. Quite a thrill in 1950. He graduated early in 1952 from Arsenal Technical High School. He attended Indiana University and became a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He was on the winning Little 500 bicycle team in 1954. In 1956, he graduated from what is now the IU Kelley School of Business with a B.S. in marketing. Dick remained a loyal fan to IU sports and he was glad to attend the only Rose Bowl appearance of IU. He earned a ROTC commission as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force while he attended IU. Dick received the Hap Arnold Air Society Award. He was assigned to Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands during the 1958 Hydrogen bomb tests (Operation Hardtack). He earned the rank of captain. 

Dick married the love of his life Diane (Barber) Silcox in 1957. He celebrated 65 wonderful years with his wife. 

Dick was a successful businessman. He was the president/owner of Indianapolis Transit Mix Company and Indianapolis Asphalt Paving Company. Next, he entered the building industry and formed partnerships of S and W Enterprises and Silbar Builders. Later, he became the president for Irving Materials. 

Dick developed a lifelong dedication to Sigma Nu Fraternity. In 1979, he was one of three founders of the White Star Endowment used for education and scholarships along with Herman B Wells and William A. Armstrong. He remained on the board for 38 years.

Dick was a member of BAGI, American Business Club, Indianapolis Club (Gyro), and Hillcrest Country Club. He spent many summers at Lake Maxinkuckee and later enjoyed lake life at Geist. He enjoyed water sports, snow skiing, Colts, IU sports. 

He will be deeply missed by his wife Diane (Barber) Silcox, Rick Silcox, Stephanie (Silcox) Cole (Bruce), and Jeff Silcox (Tracy); Grandchildren, Jennifer Bishop (Brad), Meredith Cole, Zachary Silcox, Sophia Silcox, Jesse Silcox, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother D. William Silcox, and granddaughter Sadie Silcox.

A visitation will be held at Legacy Cremation and Funeral Services, 5215 N Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 5pm to 8pm. The Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 1pm at Holy Spirit Geist, 10350 Glaser Way, Fishers, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to White Star Endowment Inc. in Dick’s honor.