Dec. 18, 1929 — Jan. 5, 2018

Robert D. Cox, 88, of Dowagiac, passed away Friday, Jan. 5, 2018.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at The Silver Creek United Methodist Church, 31994 Middle Crossing Road, Dowagiac, with Pastor Sara Carlson officiating. Friends may visit with family at the church from noon to 1:45 prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Silver Creek United Methodist Church, 31994 Middle Crossing Road, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047 where Bob was a longtime member or The Cass County Fair Youth Draft Horse Club, Post Office Box 56, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.

Bob was born Dec. 18, 1929, in Dowagiac, Michigan to Ray and Nona (Wilson) Cox. He graduated from Dowagiac High School in the class of 1947.

Bob married Doris Spivey, his high school sweetheart, on Jan. 20, 1952. Shortly after marriage, she joined him in Panama where he was serving in the United States Army.

After his honorable discharge from the Armed Forces, Bob was employed at Rudy Manufacturing Company while also working with his father on their family farm. Bob left his position at Rudy to pursue a career in sales. He joined Moormans as a field sales representative. His position allowed him to share his love of farming while meeting many new people. Many of his customers and colleagues became lifelong friends.

After his retirement from Moormans, Bob bought a semi and began hauling grain for area farmers. This new arrangement allowed him to work part of the year and spend winters in Texas where he and Doris met many dear friends and volunteered at various local organizations. He continued his trucking business well into his 80s.

Bob was thrilled to be able to spend part of his last birthday this December driving his tractor through the woods, clearing brush, and checking on the wildlife. He loved to laugh.

Bob treasured time spent with family and friends of all ages. He worked at maintaining relationships, reaching out by phone or dropping by, and he always made an effort to keep in touch with friends, old and new. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his children: Mary (Robert) Magin of Katy, Texas, William (Beverly) Cox of Sugarland, Texas, Lisa (David) Johnson of Westlake, Ohio and Valerie (Jeff) Locke of Cassopolis, Michigan.

Grandchildren include: Jacob (Lori) Magin, Ian (Brittany) Magin, Sean Magin, Jordan (Jason) Hughey, Ryan (Amy) Fedore, Ivan (Carly Dresser) Fedore, Natalie Cox, Andrew Cox, Christopher Johnson, Allison (Thomas Boggs) Johnson, Katherine Johnson, Matthew Locke and Jayna Locke.

Great-grandchildren include: Rocco Fedore, Asher Fedore, Parks Fedore, Ike Fedore, Ellery Hughey, Brenna Hughey, Owen Magin and Ethan Magin.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Doris, his parents Ray and Nona Cox and his daughter Julie Fedore.

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