Benny "Ben" Henry Cox

Two years cancer free after his initial diagnosis, Benny H. "Ben" Cox spent them traveling, waterskiing (on oxygen) and doting on his grandsons, before losing his battle with lung cancer and leaving this world on February 8, 2020, surrounded by his wife of 53 years, his sons, daughters-in-law and grandsons.

Ben entered this life on October 16, 1941, in State Center, Iowa, the third of four children born to Spencer and Marian (Jansen) Cox. His formative years were spent in Ames, Iowa, where he attended college at Iowa State University. It was there that he met Theresa Burgart and they were married on May 29, 1966, the day after their graduation. Six weeks later, he entered the US Army, receiving his officer’s commission a year later and serving in Vietnam 1968-69, returning to the US and civilian life on their 3rd Anniversary.

Ben’s degree was in Business Administration and he spent his life in the business world doing everything from rescuing companies from the brink of disaster to race promotions, property management and real estate sales. There was not a sport invented that he did not love, whether playing, coaching or watching, and he was the loudest voice cheering when his family was on the field, in the pool or on the mat. Ben loved music and was immensely proud when his sons were involved in choir and theater, especially since he couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket himself. He loved games of all sorts, particularly card games and board games and was renowned for his long winning streaks in Monopoly, Stratego, Axis and Allies and “Oh, Hell”. Ben loved an argument, just for the sake of arguing and was known to switch sides if he started winning, just to keep the discussion going. He was involved in local politics for most of his life, helping campaigns by putting up signs, blowing up balloons, marching in parades and giving strategic advice. Ben was a fix-it man, working on houses, cars, boats, lawnmowers, snowblowers, waterfalls, ponds and anything else that wasn’t working right – but never allowed to paint trim work!

Ben was one of those “larger than life” people, with a keen sense of humor, infectious smile, unquenchable energy, sage advice (whether solicited or not), twinkling eyes and a fabulous laugh. He had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important — living a life with those you love.

Preceded in death by his parents, Spence and Marian, and brothers, Jim and Tom, Ben is survived by his wife, Teri, sons Damian (Jill) and Corey (Shawna), grandsons Magden and Brady, his sister Carol Paterson (Art), sister-in-law Patricia, his Uncle Dick (Bertie), loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, a myriad of honorary nieces and nephews and a host of long-time friends.