Hamilton Taylor Lenox

Hamilton Taylor "Tay" Lenox passed away January 20, 2023, at the age of 82, surrounded by his family at his home in Lake Spring, Missouri.
Tay was born in Rolla on June 25, 1940, to Hamilton and Katharyn Lenox. He grew up working the family farm with his father, brother Ken, and cousin Hamilton Kennedy. At age 18, Tay was accepted into the newly built Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He graduated and was commissioned as a 2d Lieutenant in 1962. While in Colorado, he fell in love with Sharron Wilcoxon, and they were married August 17th, 1963. They welcomed four children who enjoyed the numerous places they lived throughout Tay's 28-year military career. Tay was the true example of a family man, thinking of his children while on deployment during the Vietnam War, often sending cassette tapes of himself reading storybooks for his children. Tay's military service kept him in the clouds, flying the KC-135, C-131, A-37, O-2 and A-7 throughout his distinguished military career.
He hung up his flight helmet, trading it in for a cowboy hat when he retired in 1990. He and Sharron built their home in Lake Spring on land across from the family farm. Together with his brother Ken, he took up farming again just as they had when they were younger.
Back in Rolla, Tay took on many roles and hobbies, donning hats for membership in the Lions Club, Board President of Choices for People, board membership in the Intercounty Electric Co-operative Foundation, among others. He had a standing golf game with friends, as long the sun was out, and the wind was mild.
His "Grandfather" hat gave him the most pride. His 10 grandchildren were his source of joy and his way to stay young. Tay eagerly accepted the role of father and grandfather for many others outside of the family. His grandchildren recall how active he was in each of their lives and the boundless lessons he taught them all. The farm was a playground for both himself and his grandkids, where he built treehouses, puppet show theatres, and pools. He kept horses, four-wheelers, and go-carts for all to enjoy together. He was not opposed to a tea party with his granddaughters either.
Tay is remembered by all for his mild temper and major sarcasm. He was fair, honest, and respectful of all. He shared his wit and humor with everyone, ensuring everyone in his presence was smiling and laughing.
Tay did not want or need many things in life. He believed his family to be his true wealth. His pleasure in life came from family and horses. He wrote, "At 80, I don't really have a bucket list beyond enjoying what I have." Tay left his family with words of wisdom and emphasized honesty as the most valued personal asset. He advised that one should not rely solely on book learning as the extent of education, with experience being the best and hardest teacher, giving the test first and the lesson second.
Tay is survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Sharron (Wilcoxon) Lenox of Lake Spring, Missouri; children, Margo (Albert) Ludwig of Florissant, Missouri, Mark (Amanda) Lenox of Rolla, Missouri, Peter Lenox of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Paul Lenox of St. Louis, Missouri; brothers, Ken (Joyce) Lenox of Rolla, Missouri and Ham (Pat) Kennedy of Omaha, Nebraska; sisters, Kristine Craddock of Mexico, Missouri and Jennie Lynn Widener of St. James, Missouri; grandchildren, Matthew (Caroline) Ludwig, Benjamin Ludwig, Taylor (Nathan) Dillon, Stephen (Shannon) Ludwig, Dori (Ian) Ludwig, Megan Lenox, Hannah Lenox, Jacob Lenox, Madeleine Lenox and Noah Lenox; great-grandchildren, Levi and Owen Dillon; a host of nieces, nephew, extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Tay was preceded in death by, one brother-in-law, George Craddock.
A funeral Mass for Tay Lenox will be held at 11:00AM, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Rolla, Missouri, with Father Greg Meystrik officiating. There will be a visitation prior to the mass from 10:00AM until 11:00AM also at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Rolla, Missouri. Interment will be in the Lake Spring Cemetery, Lake Spring, Missouri with full Military Honors.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM, at the Rolla Chapel of the James and Gahr Mortuary, Rolla, Missouri. There will be a Rosary service at 4:45 also at the Rolla Chapel of the James and Gahr Mortuary, Rolla, Missouri.
In leu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the St. Patrick Church General Operations Fund, The Rolla Lions Club, or Choices for People. Cards are available at all James and Gahr locations. For online condolences please visit www.jamesgahrmortuary.com