Don Cox

Don was born on September 15, 1937 in Big Spring, Texas, a son of Felix Frederick and Elizabeth (Emma) Pruett Cox. He married Bette Davis on January 25, 1959 in Midland, Texas.

Don graduated from Texas A&M University in 1960. His professional career was spent as an insurance adjuster and insurance repair contractor. He also served as President of Penco Construction Co. in Dallas for several years.

Over the years, Don worked on 13 hurricanes and one earthquake. That work brought him and his family to Plano in 1971. He served on the Builders Coordinating Board for the City of Plano during the rapid growth in the 1980s.

The family joined the First United Methodist Church of Plano in 1982. Don joined the Chancel Choir at that time and sang bass for the next 32 years. Music has always been a very important part of Don’s life, from sacking groceries to buy his alto saxophone in 6th grade to All-State Band alternate in high school.

Don and Bette were avid round and square dancers. Don played in the Plano Community Band, along side Sheila and Jim Winsor, until the beginnings of Alzheimer’s took a toll.

Don never shied away from his diagnosis, entering a clinical drug trial in 2009 and saying “I’ll stay in the study as long as they will have me. It is my desire to do any and all things that will further the research and eventually the eradication of Alzheimer’s.”

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his sister: Deidra Cox Ballew and infant granddaughter: Melissa Cox.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Bette Cox of Plano, Texas; daughter: Sheila Winsor and her husband Jim of Plano, Texas; son: Andy Cox and his wife Nancy of Plantersville, Texas; daughter Treena Cox and her fiancé Michael Essary of Dallas, Texas. Grandchildren: Jennifer Woodard and husband, Scott; Josh Winsor and his wife, Stacie; Todd Cox and his wife, Chasity, Jonathan Winsor, J.D. Cox, Cody Barron and his wife, Kayli; and Garrett Barron, as well at 7.75 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 3:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Plano, located at 3160 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas 75074.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, the First United Methodist Church of Plano Music Ministry, or the Plano Community Band.

Ted Dickey Funeral Home in Plano, Texas has charge of arrangements.