Obituary for Ralph G. Cox GRAND ISLAND—Ralph G. Cox, 90, of Grand Island, formerly of Fullerton, passed away Thursday, October 25, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, October 29, 2018 at Fullerton Community Church in Fullerton with Reverend Vern Olson officiating. Burial will follow at Fullerton Cemetery in Fullerton with military honors by Fullerton American Legion Post #151.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday, October 28th at the church. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home in Fullerton is serving the family. Ralph was born June 25, 1928 to Walter and Ethel (Purdy) Cox at Cedar Rapids.
He was the youngest of nine children. He graduated from Cedar Rapids High School in 1946, where he excelled in sports. He married Carol Neumann in Fullerton on August 26, 1951.
They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this year. He was drafted by the U.S. Marines and served in the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged in 1954, they made their home in Fullerton, where their four children were born.
He worked at several jobs, at one point being a Fuller Brush salesman. He also worked at Phillips 66 and Purina Feed & Seed. He became a Beatrice Foods route driver salesman.
A heart attack in 1975 and another one a few years later forced him into early retirement. They were able to spend the winter in Harlingen, TX for over 25 years. He was an avid sportsman and a lifelong Yankee and Husker fan.
He was a baseball player, coach, and umpire. He was also an avid bowler and state singles champion. He was a member of the Fullerton Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years, American Legion, and United Methodist Church.
He was a recipient of the Honorary F Award. He also coached Legion baseball for many years. His greatest joy was attending his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids activities.
He never missed a ball game if it was at all possible. He is survived by his wife, Carol of Grand Island; daughters, Deborah (Gary) Reiss of Grand Island, Lisa (Russ) Jacobi of Clarks, and Beth (Dan) Small of Hastings; son, Randy (Kim Dubas) Cox of Fullerton; 11 grandchildren, Cory Reiss, Amy Otto, Carol Engel, Summer Nunnenkamp, Paige Albers, Andrew Small, Samuel Small, Justin Small, Zachary Small, Steve Cox, and Darcy Aerni; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Bennett; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and four sisters.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ralph G. Cox please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Visitation , OCT 28. 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Fullerton Community Church 305 Germand Street Fullerton, NE, US, 68638 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Ralph’s Visitation begins.
Service , OCT 29. 11:00 AM Fullerton Community Church 305 Germand Street Fullerton, NE, US, 68638 Order Flowers for the Service Guaranteed delivery before Ralph’s Service begins.
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