Eugene Cox

KELSO, Mo. — Eugene Webster Cox, 84, of Kelso passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at his home.

He was born Oct. 29, 1923, at Gordonville, son of John and Bertha Hager Cox. He and Helen Louise Leible were married May 30, 1947, at Kelso.

Gene worked as a carpenter for Glen Bishop Construction, Hutson Family in Cape Girardeau, and C.A. Hood Millworks. He later purchased Hood Millworks.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II and the Korean conflict.

He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau, Carpenters Local 1770 in Cape Girardeau 62 years, Knights of Columbus Council 6420 in Scott City and UCT in Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years; two sons, Rodney (Nancy) Cox of Marietta, Ga., Randy Cox of Kelso; two daughters, Jeanne (Jim) Pruitt of Cape Girardeau, Janet (Jerry) Hahn of Kelso; three grandchildren, Shari Smith, Kathryn and Clayton Cox; two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Adam Smith.

He was preceded in death by a brother.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Parish prayers will be at 7.

The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Oliver Clavin as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Augustine Cemetery with full military honors by Missouri Honor Guard and VFW Post 3838.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church or Southeast Hospice.