Donald Lee Cox, 91, of Jacksonville, died Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at his residence.
He was born August 25, 1931, in rural Scott County, the son of Clarence and Margaret Jefferson Cox. He married Katherine Saffer on August 17, 1951, and she preceded him in death on July 20, 1988. He later married Ruth Collins Roegge on September 16, 1989, and she survives.
In addition to his wife, Ruth, he is survived by his children: Cliff (Susan) Cox, of Loveland, CO, Susan (Fred) Hoots, of Winchester, Larry (Diane) Cox, of Galesburg, Liz (Tom) Hardy, of Winchester, Bill (Sherry) Cox, of Jacksonville; step-children: Homer Roegge, of Jacksonville, Danny Roegge, of Chandlerville, Kay (Ed) Wright, of Alexander, Brenda (Alan) Anders, of Jacksonville; grandchildren: Jacquie (Bruce) Hinojosa, Vanessa Cox, Jennifer Barna, Casey (Bobby) Allen, Zac Cox, Katherine Cox, Mickeal Hardy, Justin Hardy, Michelle Hardy, MiKayla Cox, Joline Cox, Destiny Cox, LaMart Cox, LaShae Cox, Johnathan (Brandi) Roelk, Daniel (Jessica) Roegge, Abby (Josiah) Burchard, Brandi Wright, Nicole (Sam) Fromme, Samantha (Troy) Long, Michelle Costello, Maria (Lewis) Costello, Wes (Dani) Anders, Lauren (Daniel) Whalen, Wade Anders; 27 great-grandchildren; brother, James (Dorothy) Cox, of Winchester; and sister-in-law, Beverly Cox.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Katherine, step- daughter: Kim Costello; grandchild: Jessica Bielicke; brother: Robert Cox; and sister: Rose Marie Phillips.
Donald graduated from Winchester High School in 1948, attended school in Chicago to become an electrician, before serving in the U.S. Army. He owned and operated Cox Plumbing-Heating and Wiring for 15 years, and he was later the water plant operator for Winchester, state plumbing inspector, chief engineer for Jacksonville Corrections, and ultimately retired from Jacksonville Mental Health in 1993.
Donald loved completing projects and was known for being able to fix just anything. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and most especially spending time with his family.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Williamson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:00 p.m., until the time of the service. Burial will immediately follow the service at Diamond Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, or Cass- Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.