John Robert "Bob" Cox

John Robert “Bob” Cox, 95, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, IL.

He was born on May 22, 1928 to Alva & Ethel (Weems) Cox.  On February 21, 1953 he married Shirley Mae (Meadows) Cox, who preceded him in death.

Bob was a retired oil field worker and was a U.S. Army veteran, who served his country during World War II and the Korean War.  He was a member of the Dale Pentecost Church in Dale, IL. Those closest to Bob will always remember his unwavering love and service to the Lord, ministering to anyone who would listen. Bob was also known for his strong devotion to his family, doting on the grandkids and singing “The Fishing Song.” Anyone who encountered Bob experienced his boyhood charm and never-ending supply of jokes. In his later years, Bob could be found either fishing any watering hole in Hamilton County, playing pool at the Oddfellows Lodge, or tending his impressive garden. Bob was also known to have a sweet tooth, enjoying licorice jelly beans.

He is survived by a daughter Robbie Lynn White of Bloomington, IL (formerly of McLeansboro); 5 grandchildren: Bethany (Daniel) Chambers of Blanchard, MI; Marissa (Nate) Decker of Blanchard, MI; Ana Lacy of The Dalles, OR; Shauna (Jack) Williams of New Braunfels, TX; and Jordan (Maddie) White of Bloomington, IL; 5 great-grandchildren: Vivian Kay Chambers, Carter Chambers, Benjamin Lacy, Molleigh Grace Williams, and Jaxon Patrick Williams, and 2 grand-dogs: Blue & Marley White.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alva & Ethel Cox, wife Shirley Mae (Meadows) Cox, daughter Karen Lacy, infant daughter Bobbie Lynne Cox, 6 brothers: Noble Cox, Virgil Cox, Lowell Cox, Gerald Cox, Charles Cox, and David "Bill" Cox; and 2 sisters: Betty Mercuro and Mable Hampton.

Funeral services for John Robert “Bob” Cox will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro, IL with Pastor Gary Irwin officiating.  Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 noon.  Interment will follow the funeral service at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in McLeansboro with graveside military rites being conducted by the McLeansboro American Legion Post #106 and a United States Military Funeral Honors Team.

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