Jan. 19, 1944 — Aug. 2, 2014

Thomas R. Cox, 70, of Vandalia, died peacefully, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, in his residence, in the presence of his loving family.

Thomas was born Jan. 19, 1944, in Dowagiac, Michigan to Richard and Betty (Hunsberger) Cox. His mother survives. He was preceded in death by his father and one son, Darrell Cox.

Tom thrived on history and made a hobby of genealogy. He was in the process of writing a book about the Village of Wakelee. Tom enjoyed volunteering at the Cass County Council on Aging. His family said he was always doing good things. Tom enjoyed doing everything and anything with his grandkids. He was active in his church, helping out in a variety of ways. Tom was the “Indiana Jones” of Cass County.

Thomas will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by his son, Richard (Becky) Cox of Spanish Fort, Alabama; his daughter in law, Lynn Cox of Vandalia; his mother, Betty J. (Hunsberger) Cox of Vandalia; three grandchildren, Emily Cox, Matthew Cox, Christopher Cox; one step granddaughter, Lila Cox; two sisters, Janet (Brad) Barnett of Cassopolis, Mary Jane Nelson of Battle Creek; one brother, Michael Cox of Vandalia; a host of nieces and nephews; and his dog, Jesse.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, from 4 until  p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis. Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at 11 a.m. in Wakelee United Methodist Church, 15921 Dutch Settlement Street, Marcellus, with the Reverend John D. Messner officiating. Mr. Cox will be laid to rest in Little Fish Lake Cemetery, where six generations of the Cox family are buried.

The family prefers memorials in Thomas’ name be given to Wakelee United Methodist Church to honor his wishes that trees be planted at the parsonage and the cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.