Richard Lee Cox

DARDENNE PRAIRIE - Richard Lee Cox passed away peacefully on Friday, January 12, 2024. He was just shy of his 92nd birthday.

Dick was born in Ames, Iowa and he considered Ames his true home although he and his wife Roberta (Bertie) spent many years living in Fort Myers, Florida. While his name may not officially be in the "Hall of Fame" at Ames Senior High School or Iowa State University, Dick was a hall of famer in his family's eyes and left an incredible legacy in both places.

As an outstanding athlete in Ames, Dick earned a full-ride scholarship to play football at Iowa State. Those who knew him well understand the level of passion he had for ISU as the university provided Dick with the academic and life lessons necessary to be an outstanding citizen and businessman. Dick's brick on the ISU alumni wall refers to him as "Loyal Son, Forever True!"

During college Dick was also involved in ROTC and after college he spent two years in Germany in the Army. He truly felt that experience helped mold him into the man he grew to be.

Dick began his professional career as a teacher and coach in Atlantic, Iowa. This led him to meeting the most important person in his world, Roberta Howard Cox. They met on a blind date in Okoboji, Iowa where he was on a coaching trip and Bertie was vacationing with her family. They were engaged three weeks later and married in August of 1958.

Dick left teaching and eventually opened his own construction company, Advanced Building Systems in Ames.

Two of Dick's other passions were Rotary Club International (where he eventually served as District Governor in South Florida) and Lake Okoboji where he would proudly fly his plane over the cottage to let the family know he had arrived and was ready for fun. He then spent countless hours towing his kids skiing and sailing his Hobie Cat.

Dick had a beaming smile and warm heart. He was always looking for ways to help others whether it be volunteer work, coaching, mentoring or simply being a friend. He was constantly on the lookout for ways to make other people's lives better.

His family was incredibly important to him, and he loved all of them fiercely. He was so proud of his daughter Susan Cox Collier and husband Mark, and son Steven Cox. He was a proud "Duke" to five amazing grandchildren Elizabeth (Tyler) Tranberg, Hunter (Emily) Ryan, Christian (Eugy) Cox, Quinn (Lilia) Cox, Jackson (Rachel) Cox and great grandfather to Cyra Raaz Cox.

Those wishing to honor Dick's life may do so by supporting the Richard and Roberta Cox Family Scholarship at Iowa State University or Evelyn's House in St. Louis.

Family and friends will be gathering on August 5th at Okoboji to celebrate his long and well lived life.