Lewis Edwin Cox

Lewis Edwin Cox, 59, Osceola, Mo., departed his earthly life unexpectedly on Sept. 2, 2022, at his home, in his favorite recliner. Lewis was born Nov. 23, 1962, in Clinton, Mo., to Vernie Samuel Sr. and Vica Mae (Lingle) Cox. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Melisa Louise (Skinner) on Jan. 30, 1983, in Nevada, Mo., and she survives of the home.

Lewis was the youngest of 11 children. As a young teenager, Lewis lived with various foster families, eventually settling with his beloved foster parents, whom he loved dearly, Russell and Rachel Ball in Osceola, Mo. There, he gained five more siblings, whom he considered his family for the rest of his life. As an older teen he was able to move home and attended Hermitage High School, in Hermitage, Mo., where he'd meet his future wife and best friend of over 40 years, Dwayne Strouse.

Lewis was an ornery young man, who loved his '71 Firebird, loud speakers, and Rock'n'Roll. Following high school, Lewis attended Bailey Technical School for auto mechanics, which was the beginning of his lifelong mechanical skills, working for Wyson Motors and Rick Smith Auto, where he met another dear friend, Charlie Miller.

Lewis then ventured to work for Hardees, working his way up to Assistant Manager before returning to work for another dear friend, Doug Kleen. Lewis then decided to start trucking for his brother David, hauling grain until he decided to buy his own truck. He started pulling a hopper then decided to pull for CRL hauling Walmart groceries out of Arkansas. He purchased a second truck and transferred to the Harrisonville DC, where he made more lifelong friends, Kervin Blue, Buddy Yandell, and Donnie Blaine. In 2015, Lewis became a company driver for Walmart in Ochelata, Okla. In 2021, he transferred back to Harrisonville, where he remained, making numerous new friends along the way.

Lewis never met a stranger, always lighting up any room he entered. His smile, laugh, wit, and kindness was contagious. He loved his wife and children, but most of all, he adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lewis always wanted to help others, whether he knew them or not. He was a selfless man, never expecting anything in return.

Lewis loved spending time with his family and friends, always being the picture taker. He loved camping, fishing, cruises, vacationing, riding his KRX, helping his kids and grandkids and telling stories. Family was his passion.

He loved to help everyone fix their vehicles and toys. If he didn't know how, he'd research it for hours until he figured it out. He gave everything he tackled 100 percent and more, with failure not being an option. He lived simply, by a few mottos. "Whether you think you can, or think you can't, YOU are right!" and "If you can't change it in 5 minutes, don't spend 5 minutes worrying about it!"

He taught us all to love hard and to put others first, even if undeserving. He always saw the good in everyone! Lewis always wanted to fix problems and make everything better! He was loved beyond measure, and will be deeply missed by everyone!

In addition to his beautiful wife, Melisa, Lewis is survived by his children, Lewis L. Cox and his wife Coral, Jessica Foley and her husband Travis, and Kristopher Cox; grandchildren, McKenzie Haller and husband Brock, Madison Cox, Kayden Cox and wife Jacey, Madison Cox, Blake Cox, Tanner Cox, Kyler Cox, Raelynn Cox, Allisyn Tipton, Hunter Foley, and Kailyn Foley; great-grandchildren, Savae and Walker; siblings, Verona Olmstead, James Cox, Jerry Cox and wife Cordia, David Cox and wife Tricia, Warren Ball, Daniel Ball, Diane Burris and husband Rob, Leon Ball, and James Ball and wife Lora; foster mom, Rachel Ball; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, Vernie Sr. and Vica; stepfather, Floyd Adams; foster dad, Russell Ball; siblings, Vernie Cox Jr., George Cox, Edward Cox, VaLinda Baum, Enoch Cox, and Elijah Cox; and other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Those we love don't go away, they sit beside us everyday!