Dana Cox

Dana Dirk Cox, 65, of Beaver Lake, Ne, passed Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. He was preceded in death by wife of 40 years, Elizabeth Cox (Guida), parents Charles and Marjorie Cox; brothers Garry (Merry) Cox and Bruce (Kathy) Cox; In-laws Louis Guida and Catherine Guida; niece Amanda Renstrom and nephew Jeremy Guida.

Dana was born on July 14, 1959, in Omaha, NE, and graduated from Bryan High School in 1977. As a kid, he loved wrestling and taekwondo, always staying active and competitive. His first job was at Piccolo’s, where he not only worked but also built friendships that lasted a lifetime. In 1980, while working as a bartender, Dana met Liz, the love of his life. They were married in 1983 and had two children, Justin & Kyra.

Dana began his career with the USDA as a meat inspector, a role that briefly took him and Liz to Scottsbluff, NE. In 1989, they returned to Omaha, where Dana continued his 37-year career as a Consumer Safety Inspector. Eventually, they settled in Beaver Lake, NE, where Dana threw himself into the things he loved and brought him so much joy.

He had a hand in so many projects and activities—catering summer picnics and holiday parties for the Omaha FOP, serving as president, secretary, and chief union steward for the A.F.G.E. Local 771 Union, and partnering with KCBS BBQ. He also loved working on and rebuilding cars but had a softer side where he enjoyed singing with or without music. He was always ready to lend a hand when someone needed help no matter what. Also an avid Husker fan, Dana’s Husker-themed basement became the go-to spot for football parties filled with laughter and good times.

Above all, Dana was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend. If someone needed help, Dana was there, no questions asked, and he never expected anything in return. Becoming a grandparent was the most treasured role for Dana and Liz. Their grandkids were their pride and joy, and they threw themselves into babysitting, zoo trips, school events, baseball and football games, gymnastics meets, and wrestling matches. For Dana, being “Grandpa” was one of life’s greatest gifts, and he cherished every moment of it.

Dana is survived by son Justin (Kayla) Cox; daughter Kyra (Marty) Hoban; 8 grandchildren who are going to miss their grandpa dearly; siblings Rick Cox, and Denise (Frank) Ullman; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation for Dana will be held Friday, November 29, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. It is the traditional “Heros Game” day so feel free to wear your Husker gear for the visitation as Dana will be wearing his. A funeral and graveside service will occur Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home. A luncheon will follow at the Omaha Firefighters Hall, 6005 Grover St., Omaha, NE 68106 where friends and family are welcome to enjoy food and share stories of Dana.