COX, Willard E. (Will)

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Friday, April 10, 2015 Willard E. Cox of Payson, Ariz. went to Heaven on April 3, 2015 as a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and dedicated and kind friend to all who knew him. He was born in Oakland, Calif. before achieving a degree in mining engineering from the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Mo. and two geology degrees from the University of Nebraska. Between earning his degrees, he served in the United States Army as a 1st Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers during the Korean War. Serving with distinction and honor to his country, he obtained an Honorable Discharge in June of 1959. After he earned his degrees and completed his military service, he worked for Gulf Oil as a petroleum engineer in Wyoming for a couple of years before moving to Butte, Mont. It was in Montana that he spent the majority and best years of his life with his wife of 45 years, Nancy. Nancy was the love of his life and his rock. It was during those 45 years that he dedicated his life to her happiness and set the example for his two children, Matthew and Anne, to follow. The example he set was the importance of achieving an education, which he instilled in his children and can only be enhanced by the kindness and caring nature he gave to all who knew him. Family and friends knew him to be a man without enemies and the kindest person they ever met. He was also the father to his son’s closest friends and his son-in-law. His passions besides family and friends were his love of the outdoors, communicating with others through his HAM radio “man cave” and creating and building engineering projects both inside and outside the house. In August of 2002 he and his wife moved to the great town of Payson, Ariz. where he helped to design the house they called home and began expanding their close circle of friends. It is a testament to his character and personality that even when he met future friends it was often stated and understood, “Will is a good man and someone I can count on.” He will be missed greatly by all who knew him, but we are eternally grateful for showing us how to live our lives as he did. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Matthew; daughter, Anne; son-in-law, Richard; granddaughter, Caitlyn; as well as many other extended family and friends located not only in Arizona and Montana, but throughout the country. The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 25 at Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church, 507 W. Wade Lane, Payson, Ariz. If you have any questions, please call the church at (928) 474-5440. The church is located on the south side of Payson High School. Memorial donations may be sent to Anne Jauregui, 5931 West Park Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85226. Please make checks payable to the University of Nebraska Foundation.