Donald Cox

DONALD W. COX, age 84, of Mt. Morris, passed away quietly, Sunday, September 13, 2015, due to complications with Alzheimer’s disease. Free of the chains that bound him, Don now lives free and whole in Heaven.
He was born June 14, 1931 the son of Charles and Ruth (Typer) Cox.
Don grew up in Polo on the family farm and attended local schools. He graduated from Polo High School with the class of 1949. He took private flying lessons, eventually earning his pilot’s license before graduation.
It was in the halls of his high school that Don met the love of his life. Joyce Asay was quick to catch Don’s eye and that was all it took. Two years later their two hearts became one when they were united in marriage on June 24, 1951 in Polo, IL.
Don heard the call of his country and proudly served in the United States Air Force. Joyce, as always, was his co-pilot in life, and followed Don to San Antonio, TX where he was eventually stationed. Following his honorable discharge, Don returned to civilian life with Joyce and with their daughter “Josy” and moved back to Illinois, settling in Polo for a time, helping his family on the farm. They finally made their home in Mt. Morris in 1960. Their children now numbered six as Penny, Heidi and the triplets: Tim, Jim and Kim made the family complete.
In addition to his farming heritage, Don spent the rest of his working career as an over-the-road truck driver until his retirement in his early 70’s.
When Don wasn’t on the road, he and Joyce worked together to restore and sell antiques, eventually opening Sawtooth Antique’s in Mt. Morris. Even though antiquing became a large part of his life, his best times were spent in the company of family and friends. He was a proud grandpa to 15 grandchildren who filled his life with laughter and love. In retirement, both Don and Joyce loved to travel together, oftentimes setting their sights on Branson, MO and Nashville, TN.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joyce; Six children: Josy (Mark) Blevins; Penny (Scott) Reining; Heidi Lester; Jim (Sherry) Cox; Tim Cox; Kim (Tim) Kasper; 15 grandchildren: Stacy (Scott) Hudson; Jeff Blevins; Steven (Cassidy) Blevins; Meghan (Mike) Peters; Chris (Kathleen) Reining; Marissa (Matt Martinson) Lester; Paige Lester; Andrea Cox; Adam (Emily Thiele) Cox; Sean (Josie Marlowe) Cox; Jamie (Caitlyn) Cox; Maggie Cox; Ryan (Libby) Kasper; Becky (Matt) Prebble and Joe Kasper; 17 great-grandchildren; One sister, Irene Klingle; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Smith; Many nieces, nephews and a family of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Stanley “Butch” Cox and Dick Adams; and one sister Shirley Hughes.
A memorial has been established in Don’s name to benefit Harbor Light Hospice: 800 Roosevelt Road
Bldg C Suite 206 Glen Ellyn IL 60137. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com and on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, www.facebook\Conley-Funeral-Home.

Private family services have already been held.