Willis Dean Cox Obituary (1942 - 2024)

Willis Dean Cox, 81, of Carlisle and formerly of Eldon died June 24, 2024, while working on his farm. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Eldon Christian Church with Pastor David Bowden officiating. Burial will be in the Harness Cemetery near Mt. Sterling, IA immediately following the service. A visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Eldon Christian Church with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Eldon Christian Church or to Harness Cemetery. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. He was born December 15, 1942, at Ottumwa. He married Marian Kay Madden Cox on September 7, 1963. Willis was a 1961 graduate of Cardinal High School. He later graduated with a degree in business from Parsons College in Fairfield and used it to follow and ultimately achieve his dream of operating his own family farm. He was a longtime member of both the Eldon Christian Church as well as the Carlisle Christian Church, serving in various leadership positions with both churches. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian; father, Leslie; mother Edith; brothers Walter, Wayne, and Warren, and sisters Wanda and Wilma; and granddaughter Abigail. Surviving are two sons, Greg (Lisa) Cox of Kellogg and Brandon (Nissa) Cox of Winnetka, Ill.; daughter Stephanie (Patrick) McClain of Pleasant Hill; 9 grandchildren; and longtime companion Karen Neil of Des Moines.