Israel Richard Cox

Richard/Dick/Dickie Cox was born July 15, 1944, to Israel Richard Cox, Sr and Mildred 'Mickey' (Coleman) Cox. He was raised with his sister Donna on a farm near Ethel, MO by paternal grandparents, Israel VB Cox and Esta (Jones) Cox.  He attended school and graduated in 1962 at Ethel, MO.  He then honorably served his country in the US Air Force until 1969, mainly stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Richard then returned to his home at Ethel and thus began his love for American Quarter Horses and showing his horses most weekends.  He was an avid fan of country music and taught himself to play guitar while still a teenager.  With an exceptional singing talent to match, so began his lifelong hobby of playing and singing in a variety of bands all over the state.  Even when he could no longer play his guitar, he continued to sing at nursing homes, much to the enjoyment of himself as well as the residents.

Richard was united in marriage to Geannie Haggy on April 5, 1981, and she remains at the home.  Together, they raised 3 children, Israel Richard, III, Chelle and Travis Cox on their farm near Huntsville, instilling the values he cherished from his own childhood.  He loved raising Texas Longhorn cattle almost as much as his beloved quarter horses.  Richard worked many years and retired from the Moberly Special Road District, where he maintained many country roads around Moberly.  He then worked part time for Dollar Tree in Moberly, where he immensely enjoyed socializing and telling his famous stories to customers.

He passed peacefully at his home near Huntsville on May 13, 2025.  Surviving him are his wife Geannie, his children, Chelle Cox (Sondra), Israel Richard, III 'Trey', and Travis Cox.  Also surviving are his grandchildren, Taylor Silva (Zach), San Diego, CA, Bailey Taylor, Topeka, KS, Hanna Taylor, Lincoln, NE, and Manny Taylor, Sumter, SC (currently deployed with USAF).  He is also survived by one brother, Dan Burns, Kodiak, AK and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and his many music family members. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, his parents, and his siblings, Frances Pemberton, Donna Ouderkirk, William Cox, John Burns and Charles Burns.

Donations may be made in his name to the American Heart Association.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation held at the Cater Funeral Home Home.    Military Honors honoring and celebrating Richard’s life were held at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery Shelter, inurnment followed.