Chris Edmond Cox, age 92, passed away on February 4, 2026, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
He was born on June 26, 1933, at the family farm in Jarbalo, Kansas, the sixth of seven children born to John Bell Cox and Martha Norden Cox. After school, Chris proudly served in the United States Coast Guard. During his service, he participated in search and rescue missions aboard the USCGC Legare, USCGC Escanaba, and USCGC Yakutat. His time in the Coast Guard took him to several countries, including Great Britain, Netherlands and Portugal. While stationed in Massachusetts, he met the love of his life, Dolores Santos, at a Coast Guard dance in New Bedford. Following his honorable discharge, Chris chose to remain in Massachusetts, where he worked as a deep-sea commercial fisherman for three years. Scallop harvesting became his specialty, a trade he spoke of with pride throughout his life.
Chris and Dolores were married on July 4, 1961. Soon after, they returned to Kansas, settling first near Lone Star Lake, where Chris owned and worked a farm. The family later made their home in Nortonville, Kansas, where they raised their three children. A dedicated steward of the land, Chris was honored in 1980 with the Kansas Bankers Association Award for Soil Conservation.
Chris will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic and deep love for farming, especially the simple joy of watching corn grow. In later years, he found pleasure in tending a garden with his neighbor and planting roses and azaleas. His children fondly remember delivering meals to him during harvest season, sharing moments over a cold glass of lemonade. Chris was known for his one-line zingers, his love of seafood and a good steak, but above all, his devotion to his family.
Chris is survived by his wife, son; Kevin (Charlotte) Cox, daughters; Kristal (Tom) Kmetz, Suzanne (Justin Oswald) Cox, grandchildren; Jennifer Cox-Ingram, Aaron Cox, David Cox, Corey Kmetz, Justin Kmetz, Tyler Oswald, three great-grandchildren; Chloe Cox, Emma Cox, and Ava Cox, sister and brother-in-law, Nancy (Wayne) Hall, and sister-in-law, Lorene Cox.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Martha Cox; four sisters, Barbara Comer, Leora Bluestone, Dorothy Moffitt, and Mary Imboden; one brother, Howard Cox; two nephews, David Cox and Ross Bluestone; and two nieces, Renee Dyer and Diane Bluestone.
A rosary will be recited at 5:00PM, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, visitation will begin after the rosary with family till the time of service.
Funeral services will be held at 7:00PM, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the O’Trimble Funeral Home, Nortonville, KS, with Rev. Mike Kirby officiating the service. Cremation will follow service under the direct supervision of O’Trimble Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Arthritis Foundation or to Jefferson Co. Hospice and may be sent in care to the funeral home.
