Gene Cox, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Monday, April 13, 2026.
He was born March 28, 1943 to Dorothy Cox. His father, Orville Ray Cox, passed away in a logging accident seven months before Gene was born. At the age of four, his mother married Marion Holloway, who Gene thought was the best dad he could ever have hoped for. He was the oldest of four children.
He was raised in Excelsior Springs and surrounding areas and attended Excelsior Springs High School. He married his sweetheart, Myrtle I. Hartman, on March 6,1960. They were happily married for 62 years. Though he worked at several places in his lifetime, he was most known for the siding company that he and his wife owned. After Myrtle passed, he was able to move in with his daughter and son-in-law with his oldest son living next door, so the family was able to remain close and support one another.
Gene had many passions including fixing cars and tractors, fishing, and mowing. He loved Cadillacs and always attempted to have the cleanest car around with the whitest whitewalls. He exemplified many admirable values, including a strong work ethic and a willingness to help whenever he could. He also loved teaching others and even helped
many of his grandchildren earn their driver’s licenses.
He was a long-time member of Flack Memorial Church where he helped with building projects, dinners, and his favorite activity, Ice Cream Socials. He always went in early to hear the music being practiced, and he most loved the old hymns.
He will be missed by family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his sister, Nora Irene Stephenson.
He is survived by his children, son, Robert/Sandy Cox, daughter, Debbie/Paul Overman of Excelsior Springs, MO, and son, Jerry Cox of Arizona; grandchildren, Nathan Overman, Angela/Renjit Varghese, Sarah Wang, and Braden/Temple Overman; great grandchildren, Hannah, Sabrina and Zachary Overman, Russell Wang, Elijah and Jacob Overman; his sister, Nancy McCulley; his brother, Jewell Holloway.
Visitation is at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, MO, on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Flack Memorial Church, 1300 Tracy Avenue, Excelsior Springs, MO, on April 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Flack Memorial Church.
