OBITUARY: Alfred Charles "Charlie" Cox
Alfred Charles "Charlie" Cox, age 86, one of Ridgway's oldest residents died peacefully Friday Oct. 4, 2013, at his home after an extended illness.
Charlie as most knew him was born north of Ridgway on the farm on Nov. 17, 1926, to the late Logan Sr. and Martha Chapman Cox. He was one of Illinois oldest licensed funeral directors still practicing for the last 66 years.
Charlie was a World War II veteran serving in the Army. In 1948 on Christmas day he was married to a wonderful lady, Betty (Atkins) Cox who survives. They had been married 65 years. He was a Mason for over 50 years, a 32nd degree Shriner, Life member of Ridgway American Legion & VFW, was Coroner for Gallatin County for 12 years and a Deputy Coroner 32 years. His passion was his life as a funeral director dedicating the last 66 years to the people of Gallatin County. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty (Atkins) Cox of Ridgway; his daughter, Sandy (Brent) Prather, his son, Tony (Gayla) Cox, of Ridgway; grandchildren, Tara Sales, Erin Moss, Andrea, Spencer, Taylor and Jessica Cox; great-grandchildren, Gage, Gunnar, Makenna, Zoey and Medley; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ed and Judy Atkins. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Logan Jr. and Ruth Cox; sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Bill Wood; and a sister, Theola Cox.
Visitation for Charlie will be on 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway and his funeral will be 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, at the funeral home. The service will conducted by his family with the Rev. Randy Davis, Fr. Phil DeVous and Fr. Steven Beatty assisting. His interment will be in Jackson Cemetery with military rites.
In lieu of flowers the family requested that donations be made to the building funds at St. Kateri Catholic Church or Ridgway First Baptist Church in his memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com