Emery Dean Cox

10/28/1935 – 11/10/2018

At home on a farm in Damascus Oregon Red passed peacefully in his sleep. Born in Independence Missouri, he was the youngest of 4 children and the only son Emery Earl and Zoa Mabel (Roper) Cox. Having 3 sisters Zada Vivian, Wilma Lee and Margaret Frances was the basis for one of his many funny quips. Dad would describe growing up by saying, “I had 3 sisters and 4 mothers”.

In August of 1958 Dad married Anna Ruth Meyers. Just 1 month prior to starting his service in the U.S. Army. On the 15th of September 1958, Red reported to Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After completion of Basic and a short visit home, he arrived at his first and only command, 1st BG 34th infantry in Augsberg, Germany. His civilian skills put him in the Motor Pool and his personality caught the attention of the Headquarters Commander and was assigned to be his personal Driver. Returning home in September 1960, he was released to the Army Reserves and Honorably Discharged 14 September 1964.

Dad went to work delivering construction materials and various carpentry jobs to support his growing family. But he dreamed of becoming a Truck Driver or as he would describe his career a “Commercial Tourist”. Starting with a 1958 International truck and flatbed trailer, he secured a contract with Teter Trucking, in 1966, and began that dream. Later working 15yrs at Montgomery Wards and then Yellow Freight until retirement sounded better.

Dad joined the Mason’s in April 1976 and went on to membership in Ararat Shrine. His activities were many and served as part of the Provost Group. But he was most proud of his role as Santa Clause, a Circus Dad, and a driver transporting kids and family to the Shriners Childrens Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Throughout life Dad enjoyed collecting things, many things, too many to list. His desire to travel was not lost by retirement. Dad spent the last half of his life with Betty Cox until her passing in 2009. Together they set out by car, motorcycle, train, cruise ship and plane, searching for new sights and things to see, returning often to their favorite destination, Hawaii.

Dads big smile, silly humor and warm hugs will be missed by all that knew him.

Red is preceded in death by his parents, all 3 sisters and in July of 2018 son, Henry Earl Cox of Topeka, Kansas.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews, friends he considered family and his family:

Sons – Harold Dean and Viktoria Cox of Oregon, Curtis Ray and Polly Cox of Topeka Kansas.

Grandsons – Mathew and Kiara Cox of Indianapolis, Indiana, Nathan Allen Cox of Topeka Kansas.

Granddaughters – Anna Garcia and Samantha Cox of San Diego, California, Jackie Cox of Los Angeles, California, Renee Cox of Indianapolis, Indiana and Courtney Cox of Topeka Kansas.

Great Granddaughters- Monica Esteban, Adriana Martinez, Angelina Garcia of San Diego, California, Julia Cox, Alana Cox of Topeka, Kansas.

Great Grandsons – Drake Gaskin of San Diego, California, Emery David Cox, Dominik Tatar of Indianapolis, Indiana, Victor Cox and Alexander Cox of Topeka, Kansas.

Great-Great Grandsons – Elijah Esteban, Dominic Castillo of San Diego, California, including Marvin and Jana Lee of Gallatin, Missouri and Katherine Freistedt of San Diego, California.

Memorial contributions may be made in Emery’s name to Veterans Memorial Program or Shriners Childrens Hospital.