Fred L. Cox

Fredrick (Freddy) Lee Cox, age 91,  passed away on May 17, 2022, at his home in Terre Haute, IN.  Fred was born on January 17, 1931, to Robert and Nadine Cox in Kansas City, MO. After working in the aircraft industry his whole life, he retired in 1994, at the age of 65. He then began working for Vigo County School Corporation as a special education teaching assistant in the classroom and bus driver assistant in the transportation department. He loved pheasant hunting in Kansas and Nebraska, and he loved to fish.  Fred’s kind and fun-loving spirit was apparent to all who knew him.

Fred was a member of Prarieton United Methodist Church.  He was also a member of the Prarieton Masonic Lodge and served as Past Master, as well as a member of the Past Master’s Association, and an honorary member of the Riley Masonic Lodge.  He was a member of The Valley of Terre Haute Scottish Rite, a past Commander of the York Rite of Terre Haute, a member of the Zorah Shrine, and a past member of the Zorah Shrine patrol.  He was also a past Worthy Patron of the Prarieton OES chapter and held dual membership in West Terre Haute OES and Pimento OES chapters, and he served as a past Associate Guardian of Job’s Daughter’s Bethel # 2. Along with his many Masonic memberships, he also served as a boy scout leader for many years.  

Fred was preceded in death by both of his parents, his loving wife of 43 years Phyllis Longstreth Cox, his firstborn daughter Susan Atterson, Susan’s husband Larry; his only son John Vernon Cox, his elder sister Sally Marshall, his son in law Jack Fry, his grandson Rob Bergfeld, and his great-granddaughter Olivia Theresa Paauwe.   

He is survived by his devoted wife of 27 years Pamela Litten Cox, his daughters Sandra Fry (Jack-deceased), Elizabeth Paauwe (Engel), Brenda Cox (Cairy Oxendine), and stepdaughter Elizabeth Rubacha (Matthew).

He is also survived by his grandchildren; Bill Atterson (Tonya), Eric Atterson (Amy), Mindy Strain (Joe), Missy Atterson (Sean), Sarah Fry, Amanda Schwerin (Matthew), Rob Bergfeld (Lily), Jennifer Crowe (David), Aaron Paauwe (Kristen), John Paauwe (Amy), Tyffani Bradford, Bryttani Hottel, Brandon Rubacha, and Ashley Rubacha. His surviving great-grandchildren are Rylee, Harper, Kelsie, Breanne, Morgan, Micheal, David, Kendalyn, Austin, Michelle, Andres, Aliana, Alaina, Meeriah, Marshall,  Anthony, Gabriella, Alexis, Brenden, Landon, Kaylin, Deedrah, Myileha, Amelia, Parker, and Jas. His surviving great-great-grandchildren are Tucker, Leeanna, and Leelann. He is also survived by his beloved sister Jody Honeywell (Bob-deceased), as well as several special nieces, nephews, and friends. One of his best friends was his little dog, Chipsy. 

To honor Fred’s wishes, there will be no funeral, but a celebration of life at a later time.  Donations can be made in his memory to Shriners Children’s Hospital, International Order of Job’s Daughters, Hospice of the Wabash Valley, and Northside United Methodist Church. Samaritan Funeral Home can provide these addresses.

A very special thanks to Hospice of the Wabash Valley, Doug and Lisa Kehrt, Peggy Wiggins, and Mary Kaye Owen for their help and loving care during the last few weeks of Fred’s life.

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