Donald M. Cox, 93, of Fairfield, passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at his home in Fairfield.
Donald was born Oct. 2, 1917, in the little town of Egin, Idaho, 10 miles west of St. Anthony. Donald was the fifth of 13 children born to Bert and Jennie Cox. Raised in a home with an open door for family, friends or anyone who might just be in need of a hot meal, Donald spoke often of the hobos who would ride the rails into Fairfield and how quickly news would travel of his family's generosity. His mother always had chores to exchange for a hot meal for those staying in Fairfield's "hobo jungle" located next to the family's home. Donald carried these values all of his life, whether it was a new dress for his sister, train tickets to bring family members home or giving his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren money for HIS birthday.
Donald was drafted to the Army in February 1941, stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., a member of the 41st Infantry, Sunset Division. Serving his country in World War II on June 7, 1944, he and the other 11 members of his squad were wounded on Biak Island, Dutch, New Guinea. After 12 days in the trenches, he made his way to the beach's amphibious landing site. With his injuries, he spent more than five months in the hospital and the better part of a year to recover. Donald returned home to his family in 1945, calling Alf Baldwin at Fairfield's telephone switchboard, to get a message to his family that he had arrived in Gooding. His brother, Howard, only 17 years old at the time, did not recognize him when he scanned the patrons of the Pastime Bar. Donald was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Battle Star for his participation in the New Guinea Campaign.
Donald met his future bride at the Leavell's Rodeo in 1947. With plans of marriage, Donald bought the old Daniel's schoolhouse and moved it to Fairfield, beginning what would be their home for their married life. Donald married Doris Hobdey on July 16, 1948, at the old Methodist parsonage in Fairfield. To the marriage, they brought five children, Ken, Linda, Gary, Steve and Janet. In 1953 with a growing family, Donald went to work for Camas County Road and Bridge. Donald was known for his ability to operate any type of heavy equipment with expertise. During his time with Camas County, Donald made many lasting friendships with the residents he proudly served. After 29 years, he retired and enjoyed every snowstorm from his armchair. His retirement years were spent helping with many building projects for himself and Doris, all of his children and anyone else who might need a hand. His grandson, Joey, would say, "My Grandpa doesn't work, he just builds."
A quiet man, Donald loved his family, spending many hours making sure the Cox Family Reunion was held every August, a time for family togetherness. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important to him; he loved every one of them.
Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years; his sons, Ken of Fairfield, Gary (Carma) of Kuna and Steve (Bobbie) of Fairfield; his daughters, Linda Thomas and Janet (Matt) Croner, both of Fairfield; along with 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren (with many more who called him "Grandpa"). Also surviving Donald is his sister, Jennie Thompson of Orem, Utah; his brother, Howard (Marge) Cox of Salem, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers and memorial donations, the family wishes that you honor Donald's memory by lending a hand to someone in need or a random deed of kindness. Do these and remember the Cox Family and their generosity and family values.
Donald was born Oct. 2, 1917, in the little town of Egin, Idaho, 10 miles west of St. Anthony. Donald was the fifth of 13 children born to Bert and Jennie Cox. Raised in a home with an open door for family, friends or anyone who might just be in need of a hot meal, Donald spoke often of the hobos who would ride the rails into Fairfield and how quickly news would travel of his family's generosity. His mother always had chores to exchange for a hot meal for those staying in Fairfield's "hobo jungle" located next to the family's home. Donald carried these values all of his life, whether it was a new dress for his sister, train tickets to bring family members home or giving his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren money for HIS birthday.
Donald was drafted to the Army in February 1941, stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., a member of the 41st Infantry, Sunset Division. Serving his country in World War II on June 7, 1944, he and the other 11 members of his squad were wounded on Biak Island, Dutch, New Guinea. After 12 days in the trenches, he made his way to the beach's amphibious landing site. With his injuries, he spent more than five months in the hospital and the better part of a year to recover. Donald returned home to his family in 1945, calling Alf Baldwin at Fairfield's telephone switchboard, to get a message to his family that he had arrived in Gooding. His brother, Howard, only 17 years old at the time, did not recognize him when he scanned the patrons of the Pastime Bar. Donald was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Battle Star for his participation in the New Guinea Campaign.
Donald met his future bride at the Leavell's Rodeo in 1947. With plans of marriage, Donald bought the old Daniel's schoolhouse and moved it to Fairfield, beginning what would be their home for their married life. Donald married Doris Hobdey on July 16, 1948, at the old Methodist parsonage in Fairfield. To the marriage, they brought five children, Ken, Linda, Gary, Steve and Janet. In 1953 with a growing family, Donald went to work for Camas County Road and Bridge. Donald was known for his ability to operate any type of heavy equipment with expertise. During his time with Camas County, Donald made many lasting friendships with the residents he proudly served. After 29 years, he retired and enjoyed every snowstorm from his armchair. His retirement years were spent helping with many building projects for himself and Doris, all of his children and anyone else who might need a hand. His grandson, Joey, would say, "My Grandpa doesn't work, he just builds."
A quiet man, Donald loved his family, spending many hours making sure the Cox Family Reunion was held every August, a time for family togetherness. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important to him; he loved every one of them.
Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years; his sons, Ken of Fairfield, Gary (Carma) of Kuna and Steve (Bobbie) of Fairfield; his daughters, Linda Thomas and Janet (Matt) Croner, both of Fairfield; along with 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren (with many more who called him "Grandpa"). Also surviving Donald is his sister, Jennie Thompson of Orem, Utah; his brother, Howard (Marge) Cox of Salem, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers and memorial donations, the family wishes that you honor Donald's memory by lending a hand to someone in need or a random deed of kindness. Do these and remember the Cox Family and their generosity and family values.
Donald M. Cox, 93, of Fairfield, passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at his home in Fairfield.
Donald was born Oct. 2, 1917, in the little town of Egin, Idaho, 10 miles west of St. Anthony. Donald was the fifth of 13 children born to Bert and Jennie Cox. Raised in a home with an open door for family, friends or anyone who might just be in need of a hot meal, Donald spoke often of the hobos who would ride the rails into Fairfield and how quickly news would travel of his family's generosity. His mother always had chores to exchange for a hot meal for those staying in Fairfield's "hobo jungle" located next to the family's home. Donald carried these values all of his life, whether it was a new dress for his sister, train tickets to bring family members home or giving his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren money for HIS birthday.
Donald was drafted to the Army in February 1941, stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., a member of the 41st Infantry, Sunset Division. Serving his country in World War II on June 7, 1944, he and the other 11 members of his squad were wounded on Biak Island, Dutch, New Guinea. After 12 days in the trenches, he made his way to the beach's amphibious landing site. With his injuries, he spent more than five months in the hospital and the better part of a year to recover. Donald returned home to his family in 1945, calling Alf Baldwin at Fairfield's telephone switchboard, to get a message to his family that he had arrived in Gooding. His brother, Howard, only 17 years old at the time, did not recognize him when he scanned the patrons of the Pastime Bar. Donald was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Battle Star for his participation in the New Guinea Campaign.
Donald met his future bride at the Leavell's Rodeo in 1947. With plans of marriage, Donald bought the old Daniel's schoolhouse and moved it to Fairfield, beginning what would be their home for their married life. Donald married Doris Hobdey on July 16, 1948, at the old Methodist parsonage in Fairfield. To the marriage, they brought five children, Ken, Linda, Gary, Steve and Janet. In 1953 with a growing family, Donald went to work for Camas County Road and Bridge. Donald was known for his ability to operate any type of heavy equipment with expertise. During his time with Camas County, Donald made many lasting friendships with the residents he proudly served. After 29 years, he retired and enjoyed every snowstorm from his armchair. His retirement years were spent helping with many building projects for himself and Doris, all of his children and anyone else who might need a hand. His grandson, Joey, would say, "My Grandpa doesn't work, he just builds."
A quiet man, Donald loved his family, spending many hours making sure the Cox Family Reunion was held every August, a time for family togetherness. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important to him; he loved every one of them.
Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years; his sons, Ken of Fairfield, Gary (Carma) of Kuna and Steve (Bobbie) of Fairfield; his daughters, Linda Thomas and Janet (Matt) Croner, both of Fairfield; along with 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren (with many more who called him "Grandpa"). Also surviving Donald is his sister, Jennie Thompson of Orem, Utah; his brother, Howard (Marge) Cox of Salem, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers and memorial donations, the family wishes that you honor Donald's memory by lending a hand to someone in need or a random deed of kindness. Do these and remember the Cox Family and their generosity and family values.
Donald was born Oct. 2, 1917, in the little town of Egin, Idaho, 10 miles west of St. Anthony. Donald was the fifth of 13 children born to Bert and Jennie Cox. Raised in a home with an open door for family, friends or anyone who might just be in need of a hot meal, Donald spoke often of the hobos who would ride the rails into Fairfield and how quickly news would travel of his family's generosity. His mother always had chores to exchange for a hot meal for those staying in Fairfield's "hobo jungle" located next to the family's home. Donald carried these values all of his life, whether it was a new dress for his sister, train tickets to bring family members home or giving his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren money for HIS birthday.
Donald was drafted to the Army in February 1941, stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., a member of the 41st Infantry, Sunset Division. Serving his country in World War II on June 7, 1944, he and the other 11 members of his squad were wounded on Biak Island, Dutch, New Guinea. After 12 days in the trenches, he made his way to the beach's amphibious landing site. With his injuries, he spent more than five months in the hospital and the better part of a year to recover. Donald returned home to his family in 1945, calling Alf Baldwin at Fairfield's telephone switchboard, to get a message to his family that he had arrived in Gooding. His brother, Howard, only 17 years old at the time, did not recognize him when he scanned the patrons of the Pastime Bar. Donald was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Battle Star for his participation in the New Guinea Campaign.
Donald met his future bride at the Leavell's Rodeo in 1947. With plans of marriage, Donald bought the old Daniel's schoolhouse and moved it to Fairfield, beginning what would be their home for their married life. Donald married Doris Hobdey on July 16, 1948, at the old Methodist parsonage in Fairfield. To the marriage, they brought five children, Ken, Linda, Gary, Steve and Janet. In 1953 with a growing family, Donald went to work for Camas County Road and Bridge. Donald was known for his ability to operate any type of heavy equipment with expertise. During his time with Camas County, Donald made many lasting friendships with the residents he proudly served. After 29 years, he retired and enjoyed every snowstorm from his armchair. His retirement years were spent helping with many building projects for himself and Doris, all of his children and anyone else who might need a hand. His grandson, Joey, would say, "My Grandpa doesn't work, he just builds."
A quiet man, Donald loved his family, spending many hours making sure the Cox Family Reunion was held every August, a time for family togetherness. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important to him; he loved every one of them.
Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years; his sons, Ken of Fairfield, Gary (Carma) of Kuna and Steve (Bobbie) of Fairfield; his daughters, Linda Thomas and Janet (Matt) Croner, both of Fairfield; along with 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren (with many more who called him "Grandpa"). Also surviving Donald is his sister, Jennie Thompson of Orem, Utah; his brother, Howard (Marge) Cox of Salem, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers and memorial donations, the family wishes that you honor Donald's memory by lending a hand to someone in need or a random deed of kindness. Do these and remember the Cox Family and their generosity and family values.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
