Vernon E. Cox

Vernon E. Cox, 81, Nevada, formerly of Richards, Mo., passed away on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Mo. He was born on Dec. 26, 1927, in his home north of Eve, Mo., to Jessie Harold Cox and Goldie Hagerty Cox. He married Lois Maxine Palmer, his high school sweetheart, on Sept. 17, 1949, in Nevada, and she survives of the home.

Vernon graduated from Nevada High School in 1945. He spent most of his working career in the automotive repair business. He also served in the Navy on board the AO-43 U.S.S. Tappahannock from 1946 to 1948. Vernon enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping.

Survivors include his wife Lois of 60 years, of the home; two sons, Eddie Cox and his wife LaDonna, Fort Scott, and Bill Cox and his wife Nancy of College Station, Texas; two daughters, Kathi Likes, Arvada, Colo., and Kay Afshar and her husband David, Branson, Mo.; six grandchildren, Sarah E. Cox, Bobby Afshar, Dusty Afshar, Aurora Cox, Kaleb Afshar, and Westley Cox, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by one brother, Elmer E. Cox.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Deerfield Cemetery, Deerfield, Mo., with Rev. Bill Smith officiating. Friends may call now and until 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, and the family receives friends 7-8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the American Cancer Society in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.