Theodore Lee “Ted” Cox, 74, departed this life unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Funeral services were held Jan. 8 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Winslow. Interment was at Desert View Cemetery in Winslow.
Ted was born on Nov. 25, 1940, in Newton, Kan., to Merle and Marguerite Cox. He graduated from Winslow High School in 1959. He married Gladys Kleindienst, his high school sweetheart, in April 1961.
He worked for over 40 years for the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad. He began working for the railroad in the radio shop. Over time he became an engineer, and that was his position when he retired in 2003. The couple welcomed two children into their home.
Ted was happiest in his woodworking shop, or spending time with his family, friends, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed golf, traveling and a good joke. His infectious laugh will be remembered by all who knew him.
He served in various capacities in the LDS church, including scoutmaster, youth leader, high counselor and bishop. He also served as a full-time missionary in the church’s Family History Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife Gladys.
Ted was a devoted husband, father, brother and son.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Marguerite Mae Bibler, and father, Merle Ralph Cox; by his wife of 46 years, Gladys Love Kleindienst; his daughter, Jean Cox Sadler; his brother, Gary Dean Cox, and his granddaughter, Keri Lynne.
Survivors include his second wife, Paula Mortensen Cox of Pleasant Grove; his son, Robert Merle Cox, and his wife, Sheila Hiatt Cox of Raleigh, N.C.; his son-in-law, Loren Sadler; two granddaughters, Kaitlin Cox Warnick and Leah Sadler; four grandsons, Austin Cox, Eric Sadler, Ryan Sadler and Dallin Cox; one great-granddaughter, Molly Marie Warick; three stepsons, Brett (Claire) Mortensen, Craig (Krista) Mortensen and Todd (Amy) Mortensen; two stepdaughters, Maralee (Robert) Powell and Beka (Kent) Madsen; and 17 stepgrandchildren.
Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow was in charge of the arrangements.
