Jerry Joe Cox

Jerry Joe Cox, 83, of Sabetha, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, Kansas.

Jerry was born on September 30, 1942, at Sabetha, Kansas, the son of Homer Leland Cox and Margaret Maxine (Maxey) Cox. His mother passed away in 1945, and he was raised by a loving and caring stepmother, Dorothy Gruetze Cox. Jerry attended country school at Pepperbox and Woodlawn in rural Nemaha County, but “went to town” in the 8th grade to attend school in Sabetha. He graduated from Sabetha High School in 1960. Jerry held the distinction of earning five letters in four years in FFA for participation, leadership, and success in agricultural activities. He served in the National Guard from 1960 to 1965.

Jerry married Nancy Grote on June 16, 1963, in Sabetha. They enjoyed 62 wonderful years together and were blessed with three children.

Jerry was an avid cattleman and spent many hours caring for his cattle. After he retired from the Sabetha Post Office as a rural carrier in 1998, he started a cow herd. His week wasn’t complete if he couldn’t attend a cattle auction. He sent many head of cattle to the feedlot in Ingalls, Kansas, to be finished. Jerry took great pride in caring for his animals. A good weekend trip for him was to drive “out to the feedlot” in Ingalls, Kansas, to see his cattle and spend time with his long-time friend, Doug Althouse.

Jerry’s grandchildren were a source of added joy. He loved attending their sporting events and having his grandson, Chad, work alongside him for a few summers.

Jerry was a member of the Trinity Church of the Brethren, where he attended regularly. He was also a member of several livestock associations and a real supporter of the family farm.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother; an infant sister, Laura Cox, and his son, Danny Joe Cox.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Nancy, at their home in Sabetha; his two daughters, Lisa (Greg) Mixon of Wilmington, North Carolina and Laura (Scott) Aberle of Sabetha; his five grandchildren, Travis (Erica) Kellenberger of Overland Park, Kansas, Clint (Lauren) Mixon of Suffolk, Virginia, Anna (Chad) Felton of Wilmington, North Carolina, Chad Aberle of Sabetha, and Lindsey (Mitch) Aberle-Swanson of Gretna, Nebraska; his six great-grandchildren with one great-grandchild on the way; and his brother, Larry (Murlene) Cox of Sabetha..

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha. Before the service, a visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the mortuary. The interment will be made in the Sabetha Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sabetha Community Hospital and the Trinity Church of the Brethren, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.