OBITUARY: Earl J. Cox

Earl J. Cox, 81, resident of Goreville (Lake of Egypt) passed away Monday, March 3, 2014, at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

Earl was born June 2, 1932, in Flora to the late Earl and Eva (Snell) Cox. He married the former Wanda V. Hendricks who survives. Earl served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a life member of the American Legion, VFW and Eagles. He is a past District Commander of the VFW, past president of the Eagles Organization in Flora and a past District President of the Eagles Organization. Earl enjoyed fishing and woodworking but mostly spending time with his family and friends. He was a renowned story teller. Prior to retirement he was a lineman for Southeastern Illinois Electric Co-op.

In addition to his wife of 62 years, Wanda, Earl is survived by a son, Bruce (Linda) Cox of Marion; a daughter, Joyce Littrell of Woodlawn; three sisters, Louise Venable of Indianapolis, Ind., Lorene McWhirter of Tutopolis, June (Charles) Kinkade of Lovington; grandchildren, Jacenta (Frank) Thompson, Shana (Andy) Littrell, Denean (Wesley) Riggs, John (Shannon) Peek, Jenny Coberley, Latisha (Michael) Dunning, Bradley (Ashley) Reach, Lindsey Reach; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Delmar and Harold; three sisters, Lucille, Doris and Ora.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, March 6, 2014, at Colonial Terrace Funeral Home in Eldorado with the Rev. Russell Helton officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Flora with military rites. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at the funeral home.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com