FARMINGTON – The Rev. Wilbur E. Cox, 78, of Spruce Street, Rumford, died Friday, Oct. 6, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington, with his family by his side.

He was born in Norway on Mar. 11, 1928, a son of John and Gertrude (Ritchie) Cox, and attended schools in Norway and The Bible Institute of New England in St. Johnsbury, Vt.

During the Korean War, he served with the U.S. Army.

Wilbur had served as pastor for many churches in Maine including in New Vineyard and Stratton.

He was married in South Paris on May 8, 1965, to the former Dianne K. Arsenault who survives of Rumford.

Other survivors include three daughters, Sheila Judkins and husband, R. Gary Jr., of Auburn, Shelley Cox of Wilton, and Heather Cox of Livermore Falls; a son, Joshua Cox and fiancée, Tabatha Chabot, of Lewiston; two sisters, Thelma Greene of Kentucky, Lena Pavelchak and husband, James, of Portland; six grandchildren, Adam Judkins of Lewiston, Ricky and Stephen Judkins of Auburn, and Turrin and Shaila Mandor and Hannah Cox, of Lewiston.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Edna Cain and Etta May.