Robert Lowell Cox

Robert Lowell Cox, 90, East Lynne, MO, passed away peacefully at home in the hands of his savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 4, 2025. He departed this life listening to his favorite hymn, The Old Rugged Cross and heard loving words from his children.

Robert was born on September 25, 1934 to Densil Robert and Verona Arleen (Wallace) Cox. He was the oldest of his brothers Donald, Lynn, and Dean. He was brought up on the farm in Kansas, and worked for Cox Truck Line, the family trucking business full-time during his school years and after graduating from Wellsville High School in 1955. Robert married Patricia Ann Greaves in May, 1955, and they began their life together in Baldwin, KS. During the Vietnam War, Robert faithfully served his country. He became a marksman and specialist in the US National Guard and received an honorable discharge in 1962. Robert and Patricia had seven children, David (Lynne) Cox; Denise Cox; Robert (Amy) Cox; Bradley Cox. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Patricia who passed in May, 1973, and their children Robin Renee Cox (stillborn, 1959), Diane (Jim) Chavez (12/11/2023), and Doug (Catherine) Cox (2/4/2025).

Robert enjoyed the art of hanging sheetrock and built his own business, Robert Cox Drywall. He taught his sons the business, and retired after 40 years. His son Robert continues the business today.

Robert met Joan (Pennington) at his square dance club later in life, and they married on January 20, 1984. He added Joan’s grown daughters to his family - Linda Stevens, Marilyn Partney, and Barb (Ken) Shoemaker, and his stepson Larry Hoover (Teresa), who passed away in 2021. The couple enjoyed 36 years together until Joan’s death in 2020. Robert and Joan loved and enjoyed all of their many grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and several great, great grandchildren, but shared a unique bond with each other through their double grandchild Brian Samuel (Brittany) Hoover.

Robert and Joan bought property in 1996, designed and built their forever home in East Lynne, MO which they affectionately called their “Little Ponderosa”. They loved the small town atmosphere where friends became extended family in such a tight knit community. Robert served the town for most of his years there as a City of East Lynne alderman, mayor pro-tem, and as Mayor. Robert continued to serve the citizens as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustments from 2021 until his death. He was a member of the East Lynne morning coffee club until his health changed. He rarely missed a city meeting.

Robert loved solving puzzles. He was never afraid to ask questions about anything that brought curiosity, and he was always learning. If he saw an issue that he could remedy, he would think about it, and build whatever resolved the problem – a rolling wardrobe, a pull cart for a computer, etc. One of his passions was to master jigsaw puzzles. It became an ongoing pleasure and challenge for his family to find jigsaw puzzles that were unique because Robert could master a 1,000 piece puzzle very, very quickly. Family and friends who stopped by were always welcome to sit at the puzzle table and share in his adventure. He enjoyed many bus trips to adventurous places, but the last trip was his most memorable. He and Joan were joined by his eldest son David & wife Lynne on a trip to Niagara Falls, making this particular trip exceptionally pleasurable.

He really loved visiting with people and was happy to see guests stopping by to visit. He enjoyed getting out and driving his red truck on weekdays to City Hall for the morning coffee club, then on to the Harrisonville Community Center to eat and visit with his lunch bunch. His days were even busier going to Cass Regional to visit while strengthening his body and to the Heart of Life East Lynne church every Sunday. He had a hunger to study and learn more about God in Wednesday night Bible study. When he lost his wheels recently, the church came to him until he was strong enough to get back to church. When weather permitted, he was taken by wheelchair down the street by Terri, his Visiting Angels Sunday caregiver to get to church. All of his care team enjoyed a bond with him. He was a strong man, but is described as a kind gentleman by his neighbors. Robert felt very blessed by God, family, and all the friends and extended family who showered him with love, especially at his 90th birthday party that doctors thought he wouldn’t have. It was one of the highlights of his life to have so many people in the community show him overwhelming love and encouragement. It made his day so special, and he savored the words from every card he opened later that evening.

Robert chose to put his faith and trust in Jesus and the simple truth of John 3:16. The family is comforted that he is free from pain and is in eternal paradise today.

Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Graveside service will be held 2:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 at Fasken Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Life Memorial Fund and sent to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.