Gene Cox

Gene Arthur Cox, 88, passed away peacefully at the home he shared with his beloved wife Bobbie on November 26, 2021 in Lorena, TX. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 3 at the Lorena United Methodist Church in Lorena, Texas. Burial will immediately follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 2 at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr., Waco.

Gene was born in Lorena, Texas in 1933, he was the son of Coleman Mitchell and Eva Estelle Cox. Gene was the husband of Bobbie whom he met in high school, became sweethearts and married in 1955. Gene and Bobbie celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this past May. Gene was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His devotion to his wife Bobbie was unquestionable and his love for his family undeniable - always willing to help without being asked. He was the calm within the storm, and someone you could always count on in times of need.

Gene joined the Air Force as a cadet in 1953 and was commissioned as an officer in 1955, serving nearly 27 years as an Air Force pilot and engineer. During his military career Gene earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin in 1965, and a Masters of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1974. Gene retired from the Air Force in 1980 as Colonel, and continued his engineering career at E-Systems in Garland, TX. He ended his work career as Vice President of Manufacturing for Continental Electronics Corporation in Dallas, TX

Although an engineer through and through, Gene spoke fondly of his Air Force flying days. His “best flying days” were in the F-86D Sabre Dog in the 496th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Hahn AFB, Germany. He also flew the F-100D, and the O-1 Bird Dog as a forward air controller during the Vietnam War. Gene’s service to his country was recognized by being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Organizational Excellence award, Air Force Outstanding Unit award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Gene is survived by his wife Bobbie; brother David and Anne Cox of Lorena; son Paul Cox and Whitney Lacy of Albuquerque, NM; granddaughter Ashley and Dustin Bradley of Jenks, OK; granddaughter Samantha and Jacob Schneider of Clark, MO; grandson Sean Cox and step-grandsons Calder and Dashiell Haubrich of Albuquerque, NM; great-granddaughters Ava Bradley, Kaitlyn Bradley, and Sadie Schneider; nephew Gary and Ramona Cox; niece Lori and Rick Moss; sister-in-law Patsy Reed, niece Michelle and Todd Copeland; great-niece Allie Copeland; and many other loved nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nancy, son Mitchell Anthony and son Steven Lloyd.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Lorena United Methodist Church (www.lorenaumc.org/give) or the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate).