Dr. Peter Justin Wilcox
April 22, 1994 – June 9, 2026
Dr. Peter Justin Wilcox, beloved father, husband, son, brother, physician, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on June 9, 2026, at the age of 32. Though his time on earth was far too short, Peter lived with purpose, compassion, curiosity, and an unwavering desire to serve others. His life was defined not only by his accomplishments but by the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and genuine love for people.
Peter was born on April 22, 1994, in Great Falls, Montana. As the son of a United States Air Force family, he proudly embraced life as a “military brat.” His childhood was filled with adventure as he lived in Great Falls, Montana; O’Fallon, Illinois; Edwards Air Force Base, California; Honolulu, Hawaii; Minot, North Dakota; and Cibolo, Texas, before his family eventually settled in Riverton, Wyoming, where he graduated from Riverton High School.
Growing up in military communities across the country taught Peter to appreciate people from every walk of life. He made friends easily, embraced new experiences with enthusiasm, and developed the adaptability, resilience, and humility that would become hallmarks of his character.
Peter was also fiercely competitive. He loved playing football in high school and relished the camaraderie, discipline, and excitement that came with the game. His competitive spirit stayed with him throughout his life, whether challenging himself academically, pursuing excellence in medicine, or enjoying friendly competition with family and friends. He was an avid sports fan who rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite teams—the Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, and St. Louis Blues. Watching a game with Peter meant celebrating every victory, analyzing every play, and sharing in the excitement with those around him.
Peter earned the coveted Trustees’ Scholarship to attend the University of Wyoming, where he completed his undergraduate education. He then pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a physician at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Michigan, where his intelligence, work ethic, and leadership earned him the distinction of serving as Chief Resident. His colleagues respected him, his mentors admired him, and his patients trusted him completely.
Following residency, Peter moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to begin a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. It was an exciting new chapter in a career devoted to healing others. Peter looked forward to
advancing his knowledge, caring for critically ill patients, mentoring future physicians, and making a lasting difference in medicine.
Medicine was never simply a profession for Peter—it was his calling. Every patient mattered. He approached each person with compassion, humility, and a genuine desire to help. He believed medicine was as much about listening and caring as it was about diagnosis and treatment. Those who worked alongside him knew him as an exceptional physician, a trusted colleague, and a leader whose calm demeanor inspired confidence.
Outside of medicine, Peter embraced life with boundless enthusiasm. He loved spending time outdoors, whether hiking mountain trails, kayaking quiet waters, riding his bicycle, or going for long runs. He found peace in nature and enjoyed sharing those adventures with his family.
Peter especially cherished time with his family. One of his favorite traditions was taking them to the St. Louis Zoo, where every visit became another opportunity to watch Sawyer discover the world with wonder. Whether planning a weekend outing or setting off on an impromptu road trip, Peter was always eager for the next adventure. He believed that life’s greatest memories were made together.
Traveling the world with his family created some of Peter’s happiest memories. Among his favorite destinations were Italy, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. He loved experiencing different cultures, exploring historic places, trying local food, and meeting people from around the world. One of his favorite stories came from a train ride in Europe, when kind strangers happily entertained a screaming baby for a few minutes, giving Mom and Dad a much-needed break. Peter never forgot that simple act of kindness. It reminded him that compassion has no borders and that the goodness of people can be found everywhere.
Above every accomplishment, Peter was most proud of being a father. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with Sawyer and watching him grow. He was a devoted husband, a loving son, a caring brother, and a fiercely loyal friend. His family was the center of his world, and every decision he made was rooted in his desire to provide for, protect, and love them.
Peter will be remembered for his brilliant mind, quick wit, infectious smile, adventurous spirit, quiet humility, and generous heart. He possessed an uncommon ability to make others feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether caring for a patient, encouraging a friend, or spending time with family, Peter gave his full attention and his whole heart.
Peter is survived by his beloved son, Sawyer Wilcox; his wife, Sabrina Wilcox; his parents, Herbert Wilcox and Robbin Wilcox, and Rebecca Hicks and DeWayne Hicks; his brother, Kenny Wilcox and sister-in-law, Kaity Wilcox; his
nephew, Bradley Wilcox; his niece, Teaghan Wilcox; his grandparents, Judith Slinker and Scott Slinker; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, cherished friends, colleagues, and patients whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Although Peter’s earthly journey ended far too soon, the legacy of his life lives on in the countless patients he cared for, the colleagues he inspired, the friends he cherished, and the family who loved him beyond measure. His memory will continue to guide, encourage, and inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
God blessed us with 11,736 precious days with Peter. While those days were far too few for those who loved him, each one was filled with purpose, compassion, laughter, adventure, and love. Peter showed us that a life is not measured by its length, but by the lives it touches and the love it leaves behind.
Though we grieve his absence, we remain forever grateful for the gift of his life. His was a life lived with purpose, compassion, and grace;—a life that will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life will be held for Peter Justin Wilcox, 32, of Riverton, WY on July 16th at 4 PM, at Neighborhood Alliance Church, 4440 Riverview Rd, Riverton, WY.