Boone, Iowa—Donald Cox, 80, of Boone, IA, passed away at home on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Donald Eugene Cox, son of Dale and Pauline (Crafton) Cox, was born on November 24, 1942, in Davenport, IA. He was an only child and spent his younger years in Fairfield and Batavia, IA.
He was a lifelong baseball fan and a standout pitcher growing up. Don graduated from Batavia/Cardinal High School in 1960. He went on to get a Biology degree in 1964 and his Masters of Biology degree from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville in 1968, pursuing a career in education. He developed the curriculum for the Life Science Program in Boone starting in 1965 then retiring in 1997 at the age of 55. He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church, Sportsman’s Club, and Boone Education Association. He enjoyed many years with his men’s poker club, couples card clubs, and being a member of Boone Squires square dance club.
Don was united in marriage to Elizabeth (Betty) Ornduff on June 8, 1963, at the Methodist Church in Batavia. They were blessed with three children: Philip, Douglas, and Jennifer. They made their home and raised their family in Boone.
Don and Betty enjoyed the role of raising and nurturing their children and supporting them in all their endeavors and accomplishments. eventually, they looked forward to cheering on their grandchildren in their involvements as the family grew. Don enjoyed success coaching his boys in youth baseball and later in life, had great pride in watching his grandchildren in the many activities they were involved in. He enjoyed the outdoors, taking his boys on many fishing trips to Minnesota. He enjoyed telling stories of his many fishing adventures with his friends to Minnesota and Canada. He loved playing golf and was the best player in the family, and had a hole-in-one twice.
Don and Betty enjoyed traveling during his 25 years of retirement. They went on many adventures with family and close friends on international cruises. One of Don and Betty’s favorite memories was taking their children and grandchildren on a Caribbean cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary. Everyone had such a great time they took them all on several more. Don and Betty were blessed to spend time with friends and family celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this summer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Pauline Cox; Pete and Fern Crafton (aunt and uncle); Ray Cox (uncle); Roy Cox (uncle); Wayne and Marjory Ornduff (father-in-law and mother-in-law); Larry and Joan Ornduff (brother-in-law and sister-in-law).
Don’s memory will burn brightly in the hearts and minds of his family- wife Betty; son Philip (Teresa) Cox, Polk City, IA, and their family: Matthew Cox, Norman, OK, Cassandra, Mark, and Nick of Polk City, IA; son Doug (Heather) Cox, Ankeny, IA and their family: Mollie, Madeline, and Ryan of Ankeny, IA; daughter Jennifer (Rob) Morris, Urbandale, IA and their family: Taylor Morris (fiancé Jacob Druml), Elgin, IL, and Logan and Lauren of Urbandale, IA; brother-in-law David (Sue) Ornduff, Oskaloosa, IA; sister-in-law Jane (Dennis) Ireland, Oskaloosa, IA; cousin Sharyn (Delbert) Yeoman, Fairfield, IA; cousin Mike (Judy) Cox, Agency, IA, and special friends Don Samuelson and Harry Robinson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Boone or Suncrest Home Health and Hospice of Ames.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, August 14, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church, 703 Greene St, Boone. Visitation with family present to greet friends will be from 3:00-6:00 PM Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Schroeder Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th St, Boone.
The Schroeder Stark-Welin Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
