Robert "Bob" Cox

Robert "Bob" Cox, 81, passed away at 3:44 AM on December 29, 2020. He was born on February 4, 1939 to John and Juanita (Taylor) Cox in Kokomo. On November 29th, 1958, Bob married Sandra (Bergstrom) Cox.

Bob graduated in 1956 from Kokomo High School and served in the National Guard. He served on the Kokomo Fire Department from 1963 to 1988 as Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, District Chief and Chaplain. He also worked at Superior Glass and Paint. After retirement from KFD, he served as the Kokomo Rescue Mission's Executive Director from 1988 to 2006. While serving as the Director, he was instrumental in building the current Mission building and Open Arms for women and children. He also traveled to Russia several times, orchestrating the sending of several containers of relief aid to Moscow. Upon retiring from the Mission, he received the 'Distinguished Hoosier' Award from the Governor's Office, a 'Key to the City' and Proclamation from the Mayor's Office. He served as Chaplain for the Kokomo Police Department and Howard County Sheriff Department working at the jail until 2015.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra, daughter Karen Johnson (Gene) Kokomo, son Kevin Cox (Debbie) Kokomo, daughter April O'Cull (Kevin) Carmel and daughter Angie Meyers (Eric) Kokomo. Also surviving are his brother Loran Cox and sister Faye Campbell.

He had 11 grandchildren, Kelly Giles, Sarah McCormack, Ashley Stevenson, Joshua Cox, Andy Stevenson, Alex, Cory and Brady O'Cull, Lennon, Maisy and Gage Meyers. He had 8 great-grandchildren with the 9th expected in the spring of 2021. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews who dearly loved their 'Uncle Bob'.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings John L Cox, Charlotte Alexander, Dick Cox, Connie Johnson, Kaye Bales and Anne Conrad

A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at the First Church of the Nazarene, 2734 S. Washington, Kokomo.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kokomo Rescue Mission.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, Kokomo.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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