Thomas W Cox

Tom Cox was born in Lamar County, Alabama on September 2, 1930 to Thomas Cox and Jossie Vera (Holloway) Cox. He was raised in Mississippi by his single mother (widowed) and graduated from Stephen D. Lee High School in Columbus, MS. In his youth he would tell you he was a hooligan until he discovered a passion for horses. He spent many hours developing his skills on the Smith Oaks Plantation in Mississippi. He became a harness racing jockey until he outgrew the sport.

In 1950, he joined the Air Force Reserves and in 1953 became a career officer in the regular Air Force. While stationed for training in New York State, Tom met and married a yankee, Beverly Lyon who was the love of his life for almost 60 years. They traveled the country and the world together with their growing family. His retirement in 1979 brought him back to Utah to enjoy life and pursue his passions.

Tom was an extraordinary pilot and maintenance officer in the Air Force. He served in Korea and Viet Nam. He developed the skills to fix anything. From cars to home maintenance to electronics a€" he did it all. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors. He gave so much more than he took.

Tom was passionate about flying to the point that in 2005 he built an experimental RV-7 airplane and never set foot on a commercial airplane again. He loved flying with his friends and attending aviation gatherings around the country. Tom also supported the Young Eagles Program by sharing his love of flying with the next generation. He spent time in his retirement supporting retiree programs at Hill AFB, supporting the Hill Aerospace Museum and participating in the Oder of the Daedalians. He also had a passion for skiing and was crowned the family ski instructor for all the grandkids, friends and neighbors who wanted to learn.

Tom was a devoted and supportive husband and father. He kept everyone on track in his own way and was well loved by his family.

After a short illness, Tom passed away peacefully on Dec. 18 2012. He is survived by his wife Beverly and children Patty (Robert) Wimmer of Aurora, Colorado, Debbie (Bruce) Stephens of Ogden and Barbara (David) Diment of Fort Smith, Arkansas. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Karen and David Wimmer, Ian and Connor Stephens and Dirk and Eric Diment. He was preceded in death by his son Thomas W. Cox Jr. in 1960.

Thomas W. Cox was an amazing man of courage, conviction, honor and charity and above all he was a genuine patriot who believed in his country with all his heart and soul. He was extremely proud and privileged to have served his country honorably. In accordance with his wishes, he will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. at a later date. A private family memorial will be held.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in Tom's name to the EAA Young Eagles Program, P.O. Box 2683, Oshkosh, WI 54903-2683.