Eddie D. Wilcoxen is a retired radio broadcaster who worked in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Virginia, and Ohio before settling in for a thirty year career in Altus, Oklahoma. Selected by Governor Brad Henry as Oklahoma Poet Laureate for 2011 and 2012, Eddie traveled the state and made more than one hundred appearances during his term, sharing his love of poetry and promoting support of the arts. In his original stories, he weaves historical facts, personal experiences, humor and vivid imagery to promote understanding and respect. His ability to craft tales that not only enchant audiences, but also carry invaluable lessons about human nature have garnered him widespread acclaim. The humor and subtle grace that infuse Wilcoxen’s work enable his broad and modern appeal, and ensures that people of all ages will be entertained and heartened by his performance. Eddie grew up south of Dodge City, Kansas, one of six boys of Kenneth and Ruby Wilcoxen. After his father drowned trying to rescue cattle in a flash flood, Kenneth ran the family farming operation from the time he was only thirteen, graduating high school at sixteen. Eddie had a difficult childhood on the farm because he had polio, severe asthma, and other undetermined illnesses that resulted in numerous surgeries. By the time he was ten years old, he had lived half his life in hospitals, (more than five years.) After graduating from Dodge City Community College in 1969 Eddie briefly attended Kansas University before transferring to the Radio Engineering Institute of Kansas City, where he earned his First Phone Engineering License from the FCC and began his radio career. Never one to be held back by limitations, despite partial paralysis caused by polio, he went on to study and become a Master Instructor of the Martial Arts. Eddie became a three time National Karate Champion, and was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch on its journey to Atlanta for the 1996 Olympics. At the same time Eddie was active in the community and throughout southwest Oklahoma and North Texas. He appeared at dozens of schools and civic clubs promoting the value of “following your dream” and the importance of education. Eddie served as President of the Altus Kiwanis Club, and was responsible for establishing the world’s largest youth club associated with Kiwanis International. He was President of the local United Way Campaign, and chosen as Grand Marshal for the local Christmas Parade. Through all of this Eddie was writing poetry, continuing a practice that had started in his early teens. His love of poetry dates back to those early hospital years when his mother would read poetry to him almost every day. Eddie has written a collection of poems for each of the last two Oklahoma Chautauquas, and he has published twelve books of poetry, including “Oklahoma Proud,” “Reflections of a Wandering Mind” and “Faith, Hope and Poetry.” He has also started a YouTube channel, “eddiestuff” featuring videos of his original poetry. His books are available on line through Amazon.com. Eddie and his wife Joan served as Co-Presidents of the Poetry Society of Oklahoma for 2014 and 2015. The PSO was established in 1934 as the foremost Oklahoma organization to strengthen and expand the place of poetry in society at large, versus strictly academic settings.
