Loren Cox

LOREN COX

RIDGEWAY — Loren A. Cox, 84, of Ridgeway, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2014 at Hardin Memorial Hospital, Kenton.

He was born on January 30, 1930 in Huntsville, Ohio, a son of the late Kenneth T. and Emma Belle (Barr) Cox. On February 11, 1950, he married his first wife, Dorothy Lay and they divorced. He then married his 2nd wife, the former Eileen Lenore Epps on November 25, 1978 and she preceded him in death on May 15, 2009. Also preceding him in death were a sister, Ann Docie and brothers, Paul L. and Leonard Cox.

Survivors include a son, Rick (Lisa) Cox of Ridgeway; daughter, Randie Lynn (Chris) Pfister of Lima; 4 grandchildren, Danielle (Corey) Foster, Jonathan (Julie) Pfister, Jessica (Matt) Brackman, Heather (Mike) Struble; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Yule of Dublin; brother, Larry (Ellen) Cox of Bellefontaine and numerous nieces & nephews.

He retired from Tecumseh Product in Marion. Loren was known as a top notch horse trainer, contest horses, pulling ponies and horses, and running quarter horses and was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He won the barrel race at the 1968 All-American Quarter Horse Congress on Buddy and won numerous Ohio Western barrel races on Lofty Leo. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren in competition. Early he was a jockey. He and his brothers were also known for great pulling horse teams and won many pulling contests.

Loren was always upbeat, would say he was doing great, regardless of any circumstance. Friendly and willing to jump in and help anyone, with their horses or with any problem they might have. He was a worker, never missed a day of work and then worked hard training horses when he got home. He had many interests and he loved the outdoors.

As a young man, although not as great in stature as other boys, he had heart and spirit. He was an all-county basketball player and excellent baseball player. Regardless of size, he always played to win…and he lived his life as a winner. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Pastor Terry Robinson will officiate a funeral service on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in Belle Center, where friends may call on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, from 2 – 8 p.m. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Belle Center.

Family would like to thank Iris Crowe for her loving care and also the nurses and aides at the Hardin Memorial Hospital, 3rd Floor, Kenton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Health Professionals, 1200 South Main Street, Ada, Ohio 45810.

Condolences may be expressed at www.edsfh.com.