Russell D. Cox

September 20, 1940 - December 14, 2020

Russell Cox, lovingly known as Russ, Dad, Grandpa, Gramps, and Papa went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 14th, 2020.
 
Born to Francis Marian and Rose Marie late on September 20th, 1940 in Elkhart, Indiana. So late, in fact, he claimed two birthdays because the doctor and his parents disagreed on the time of birth.
 
As a boy, his paper route was featured in the local paper, which reported, “Many of yesterday’s Elkhart Truth carries are now successful fathers, mothers, and leaders in the Truth’s circulation area, and throughout the world!” (10/8/55). This could not be more true of Russ. 
 
Russ met his wife of 57 years, Charlene, while he was on leave from the Air Force. They were married on February 24th, 1963 in Elkhart. They would go on to have two of their own children. He always made raising their family an adventure. Working in the cable industry for 23 years, their family would move with every promotion. Throughout their marriage they lived in six different states and nine different cities, including Sacramento and La Habra, CA, Marion and Huntington, IN, Bigstone Gap, VA, Warner Robins, GA, and finally Salem, OR.
 
Russ was a skeptical people-person. He loved to people-watch at Disneyland, serve generously at his church, and made sure the neighborhood kids had a good four square game by painting one in his cul de sac. He was loved by all for his great stories and his strong faith in his savior Jesus. He was a skilled woodworker, and lovingly used his talents to craft jewelry boxes, frames, and other pieces for his family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling and recently attended his high school reunion in Indiana. New Mexico always held a special place in his heart because he thought it was one of the most beautiful places on earth. Russ was glad to put black pepper on everything as his signature spice.
 
His death was preceded by his parents, a brother, two sisters, and his oldest and youngest grandchildren. He is survived by his spouse Charlene Cox, his daughter and son-in-law Susan Skeen and Randy Skeen, son and daughter-in-law Steve Cox and Dawn Cox, as well as Charlene’s son David Rowser and his wife Leslie. He has seven surviving grandchildren, Mandy, Lindi, RJ, Chris, Kylee, Katie,Jonathan, Amanda and John. He has two great-grandsons Jace Carter and Kobe Ryan and one great granddaughter, Arwen.
 
Russ’ family would like to include a special thank you to the staff of Salem Hospital Medical Telemetry Unit Building D who spent much time and effort making Russ’ last days full of love and support.
 
The service will be held at Salem Evangelical Church on Tuesday, December 29th at 2:00 pm.
 
In lieu of flowers please go out for a steak dinner in honor of Russ and he would want to remind everyone to always be a little stubborn.