Douglas W. Cox

Douglas W. Cox was born December 10, 1952, in Fredonia, KS, to local United Brethren pastor Emmett Cox and his wife Shirley, a teacher in a nearby town. Before two years were over, the family found themselves in Sierra Leone, West Africa as missionaries for the United Brethren denomination. The family served more than one term-- adding two little sisters while home on furlough and lived in Sierra Leone for about 10 years total before returning permanently to the United States at the end of Douglas’ 9th grade year. Douglas (now Doug) graduated from Huntington North High School a semester after starting at Huntington College, marrying his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Ray, that summer in Huntington, Indiana. He transferred to Ball State, majoring in Radio, Television and Motion Picture Production, then joined the Air Force and was stationed in California while he and Rebecca started their family. Upon leaving the Air Force, he joined the Indiana Air National Guard full time and continued his world travels from Baer Field. He left the Guard for Magnavox (now Raytheon), retiring from there 30 years later. Doug received degrees from San Bernardino Valley College, the Community College of the Air Force, and Indiana University, with post graduate work at Purdue. He holds a joint patent with his mentor of many years, Flip Millis. Doug enjoyed photography, woodworking, and reading (among many other hobbies). He was in the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking twice, spent time as a volunteer announcer/host for WBNI public radio in the late 1980s, and was the voice on many Missionary Church videos in the 1990s. Doug spent many years as the praise and worship leader at Living Hope Missionary Church of Dunfee, IN with his wife, Rebecca, and the two of them, working together, were heavily involved in church activities there, teaching Sunday school, and directing special holiday events. He had a special love of teaching and music. Although his life thus far was full and may have seemed impressive to many, Doug’s greatest triumph was achieved when he passed into glory to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 30, 2024 in his home, tended by family, with his dear Becca at his side. He is survived by Rebecca, his beloved wife of 52 years, a brother, Billy Simbo of Sierra Leone (now in Philadelphia), sister Darlene (Denny) Salway in Ohio, three daughters, Arwen Fair and Natasha (Patrick) Cassidy of West Baden Springs, Kirsten (David) Lawrence of Fort Wayne, 15 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Dianne Cox and parents, Emmett and Shirley Cox. Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Friday, September 6, 2024 at Living Hope Missionary Church, 818 W County Line Rd N., Ft. Wayne, IN 46818, followed by Funeral Services at 12:00 pm Friday, September 6, 2024 at Living Hope Missionary Church with Pastor Jon Pelz officiating. Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Preferred memorials may be made in memory of Douglas to the Living Hope Missionary Church, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Douglas W. Cox.

Douglas W. Cox

December 10, 1952 - August 30, 2024