Gene Edward Cox

A Celebration of life for Gene Cox will be held for family and friends at a later date. Gene Cox died December 8th, 2015 at home with his step-daughter and wife at his side . He was born July 8th, 1928 to Voy (Hopper) Cox and Sylvia (Stevensen) Cox in Upton, WY. He grew up in Moorcroft and graduated from Moorcroft High School in 1945. He married Mary Vance the love of his life, August 11th, 1993 in Miles City, Montana. They lived in Pine Haven, later they moved to Gene's ranch outside of Moorcroft, while in Yuma, AZ had a house built in Moorcroft, and resided there till death.In 1965 the State of Wyoming was honoring its 75th year of statehood, that's when Gene had the idea to have an old fashion picnic with free food, horse races and games for amusement. Gene recruited Tom Davis and Jack Hughes to help get this together. Other people rallied around digging the barbeque pit, gathering wood and generally sprucing up the River Park. The town business people donated the food that would be needed for the meal. This is how Moorcroft Jubilee Days began; Gene continued to do this until 2003.Gene participated in rodeos, as a team roper and calf roper in and around Moorcroft he did this up to 1993. He was a member of the Moorcroft Saddle Club and Crook County Recreation Board. He owned and operated Cox Saddlery for a period of time. Gene was in the construction business for many years as a dirt contractor and backhoe service. Gene enjoyed hunting and golf and was a member of the Keyhole Country Club; he served on the Board of Directors for the Keyhole County Club. He spent many days using his equipment and working on the grounds for the golf course. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as Elder for a time. Gene enjoyed the outdoors and the western lifestyle. Gene and Mary loved spending winters in Yuma AZ for several years until ill health prevented him from going. "Heavenly Father, I pause mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon me. I ask that you will guide me in my life, help me Lord, to live my life in such a manner that when I make that last ride to the country up there. Where the grass grows lush and the water runs cool that you'll take me by the hand and say Welcome Home Cowboy, Amen"Gene is survived by the love of his life; Mary, his children; Kay (Mark), of Spearfish SD, Kendall, (Laurie), of Recluse WY, Kevin (Helene), of Bozeman MT, Kathy (Carmine), of Amity OR, Voy of Moorcroft. Two step daughters; Brigitt (Max) Cortes of Henderson TX, Gigitt (Kyle) Lawson of Gillette. 7 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, Remi Rose Alexander, and Jaxon Hughes, sister-in- law; JoAnn Parsons, Casper WY, many nieces and nephews. He will greatly missed by all. He was preceded in death by two brothers, and his parents. A memorial has been established in Genes name to benefit Hospice of Campbell County. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716 Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716