Tommy E Cox

February 28, 1942 - May 12, 2015

Tommy Edward Cox February 28, 1942 - May 12, 2015. Resident of Cassville, MO. After a courageous 5 year battle with lung cancer and COPD and becoming a survivor, Tommy passed away suddenly at his home in Cassville, MO. Tommy was born in Warner, OK. As a baby his family moved to California where he lived for 40 years before moving to Missouri. After graduating high school he taught Cosmetology and was later drafted into the U.S Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam. Once returning from the war, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a Mail Carrier. He retired from the Post Office in Aurora, MO. He was one of 7 children born to the late Garland and Reba Cox. He was a beloved husband of 7 years to Sonya (Kidwell) Cox whom he married on June 2, 2007. Tommy will forever be remembered by his surviving siblings; brothers Alvia and Kenneth Cox and sisters Peg and Kay Osborn, his beloved children Brian Cox, Andrea Cox, Marlene Garland and Joseph Papp, his step-son Ryan Mankin, his treasured grandchildren Nicholas, Garrett and Logan Cox, Shawn and Spencer Garland, and step-grandchildren Garrett Booher, and Dylan and Truman Mankin. Tommy loved baseball in his youth. He played in High School and made it to the minor leagues. He also coached his children in baseball and softball. He loved fishing and went on deep sea adventures in California. He was talented and enjoyed wood crafting and made a number of treasures for his family. He was also a lover of nature and wildlife often taking in stray animals and nursing them back to health. He spent countless days’ bird watching in his backyard and made sure they never went hungry. He enjoyed growing and eating vegetables from his garden each year. During his retirement years, he greatly enjoyed his time with his grandchildren. He liked to take long drives to look at the beautiful Missouri wildlife. He had a great sense of humor and liked playing card games which he could be quite competitive! He was a wonderful cook and often made food for his wife, family, and friends. WE LOVE YOU DAD! THANKS FOR MANY GREAT YEARS! Tommy touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed. Friends and family are invited to attend his Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 17th, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Brian and Shelly Cox ; 302 W Phelps, Pierce City, Mo. 65723. In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations you would like to make be sent to National Wildlife Federation. (NWF) 1-800-822-9919.