Donald “Keith” Cox of Prescott Valley, Arizona died Saturday, May 13th just shy of his 96th birthday. He was a loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather and great-grandfather to a whole clan of Coxes. He also was a dedicated Middle School Teacher beginning his long career in education at Mitchell School in Tempe and retiring from Gililland Middle School in Tempe. He taught 6th grade.
Keith married Catherine Heidecker on May 30th, 1953 and together they raised six children. The pair took road trips in their motorhome and frequently visited Mexico where they owned a retirement home. Keith loved fishing and horseback riding. He gave that up just a few years ago. In retirement, Keith and Catherine bought property in Prescott Valley developing Nurseries there. They were never idle.
Keith is survived by his wife, Catherine. Also surviving are his children and their spouses: Donald (Sarah), Bill (Cindy), Alan (Laurie), Mark (Lisa), Kathleen Cull (Tim), and Jimmy. He is also survived by an ex daughter-in-law who stayed in touch with the family: Dawn Briese. Also left behind to mourn his loss are his grandchildren: Donnie, Cheri, Ryan (Jessica), Shawn (Lauren), Isaac, Elliot (Julia), Corrine and Abigail as well as his great grandchildren: Caitlin, Ella, Cara, Caroline, Julia, Alex, Corbin, Callum, Carson, Kelilah and Elijah.
He is predeceased by 10 siblings and his parents, Willa Lamb and William Anderson Cox.
Keith was a man of faith and dedicated himself to the Catholic Church from the time he converted to Catholicism in the 1950’s until the end of his life. A viewing with eulogies will begin at 10 am at the Whitney Murphy Funeral Home on May 17th. A graveside service with military honors will be held at St. Francis Cemetery immediately following the viewing.
Keith was a WWII era veteran, having spent time in Korea, serving in the U.S. Army from August, 1945 to January, 1947. He worked a decade on the Southern Pacific Railroad in freight billing as a second job while teaching. He truly enjoyed his career in Education. He loved all animals, especially his horses and dogs and had several over the years. He believed that family came first and wanted to be remembered as a man who took care of his family. He genuinely cared about people.
Online condolences can be placed on www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations in Keith’s name can be sent to The Arizona Equine Rescue Organization, Inc., 34522 N Scottsdale Rd D7-168, Scottsdale, AZ, 85266, https://azequinerescue.org/.
Cathy O'Brien
My sincere condolences to the Cox family. He seemed like an interesting man who lived life well. May his soul and your souls be at peace .
Mike Cannata
My sincere condolences go out to the whole Cox family. I will keep Mr. Donald Keith, Cox in my prayers.
Meg Alberry
The Alberry Family of Arroyo Grande CA sends hugs to Don, Sarah and Abigail Cox and expresses its deepest sympathy to the entire Cox Family for the loss of their family patriarch. We hope you will gather as one to celebrate the man who made your lives what they are today and to strengthen your relationships with each other. Family is Everything!
Leah Priest
I have very fond memories of Mr. Cox, the patriarch of the Cox family. He had a good sense of humor and was friendly to all the friends of his children. He seemed like a warm-hearted man with a kind heart.
Mike Capaldo
To the whole Cox family very very sorry for your loss and my good friend Don Cox Jr
Char McKee
My heart is with the Cox family, I thankyou for the 3yrs to be a companion to Keith.. Keith is an inspiration to what a human being should be. Jim thank you for the unconditional respect and love you ALWAYS give to your parents, “You are your fathers son”