Edward "Skip" Cox Jr.

Edward "Skip" Cox

Ames

Edward Eugene Cox Jr. "Skip", age 63, died Thursday, January 8, 2015 in Ames, Iowa. A gathering of family and friends will be from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way in Ames. There will be a time to share memories at 2:30 p.m.

Skip was born February 26, 1951 in Oceanside, California to Edward and Mary (Breiner) Cox. He graduated from Ames High School in 1969 and earned his Bachelors of Science in 1995 and Masters of Arts with a Major in History in 2000 from Iowa State University. Skip was one of few in the United States to earn a Masters of 5th Century Roman History. He studied abroad in Swansea, Wales and Rome, Italy. While abroad, Skip participated in archaeological digs of castles; with particular interest in Hadrian's Wall.

Skip was employed at the Parks Library at Iowa State University for 14 years. He was chosen to present his written papers at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was elected to serve on the AFSCME negotiations team numerous times.

Skip's favorite enjoyment in life was spoiling his granddaughter, Brandi, and great-granddaughter, Charlotte. His mother, Mary, resided with him and they enthusiastically enjoyed cheering on the Cyclones. He also enjoyed watching old Western movies, completing the New York Times crossword puzzle, cribbage, backgammon, cooking, gardening, reading, shopping and playing Lotto.

Skip is survived by his mother, Mary, of Ames and siblings: Rhonda (Jeff) Riley of Nevada, Greg (Debbie) Cox of Huxley, Tari Lee of Des Moines, Wayde (Betty) Cox of Brownsville, Texas, Danielle (Randy) Brown of Radcliffe, Vicki Cox of Nevada, and CJ Kaiser of Ames; an estranged son, Robbie Cox of Des Moines and 3 grandsons; 22 nieces & nephews and 33 great-nieces & nephews and one great-great grandnephew. He is also survived by his faithful companion of seven years, Cleopatria (Cleo the Cat).

He is preceded in death by his father, Edward Eugene Cox, Sr in 1987.

The family would like to thank Dr. Vaena at Holden Cancer Center, U of I Hospital/Clinics, Dr. Otteman at Bliss Cancer Center, Dr. Wanzek at McFarland and the medical community for their compassionate care during Skip's journey.

In lieu of cards and flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Holden Cancer Center, University of Iowa or Bliss Cancer Center in Ames.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com