COX, Hershel E. "Pete": Died 1985

COX, BEATTY

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 3/30/2018 at 14:31:08

**Handwritten: died 28 Jan. 1985

Herschel E. Pete Cox

Herschel E. "Pete" Cox was born April 22, 1893 in Warsaw, Ill. to James William and Mattie Beatty Cox. His parents died when he was young, and he was raised by his maternal grandparents and aunts in Keosauqua. He attended the Keosauqua Public Schoo, but completed only through the eighth grade when he started working as a farm hand, including stays with the Beatty, Rigsby, and Randell farmilies(sp). He started his long term of employment with the Van Buren County Enginee's office in July, 1921. He retired in March, 1966, completing almost 45 years of service. Pete served in several capacities including the bridge gang, operating heavy equipment both on the roads and at the rock quarry, and finished his career in the county shop. His failing eyesight kept him from doing many things in retirement, but he was persistent in keeping his home, yard and garden neat. He loved and spent many hours with his roses.

Pete suffered a stroke in the spring of 1979 and entered the Good Samaritan Center July 6, 1979. In February, 1980, he was joined there by his wife, Vera, and they were together until her death in October, 1981. He was a devoted husband and father, always placing his family's needs above his own. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Margaret Louise and a sister, Reba.

Surviving are his daughter, Evelyn of Keosauqua, other relatives and friends.

He was a member of the Keosauqua United Methodist Church.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 30, 1985 at 10:30 a.m. at Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua, with Rev. Bob Patterson officiating. Interment was in Fellows Cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book J, Page 132, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA