Richard Cox

Cedar City - Our dedicated and loved father, grandfather and husband, Richard Colton Cox, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday October 18, 2020.

Richard was born on October 23, 1950 in American Fork Utah to Elmer Charles and Lorna Colton Cox. Married June Alice Echols on July 3, 1969 and later divorced. They shared 6 children: Amy Warren, Jason Cox, Baby Rickey, Jared Cox, Brian Cox and Christina Ross. Married Theresa Horton on May 24, 1992 and welcomed stepchildren, Ricky Serra and Meghan LaValla.

Richard was the youngest of four brothers and loved playing and watching football. He played side by side with brother Jerry for Wausau High School in Wisconsin. He was a passionate BYU football fan throughout his life, a trait given to him by his mother Lorna Cox. He was a Vietnam War Veteran with an abiding passion and devotion for his Country. He enjoyed the outdoors and cherished being with his family at the cabin in Panguitch Lake Utah. He loved the many fishing trips to Canada and Alaska in search of the monster trophy fish.

Richard spent his life and career serving his fellowman as a physician. He graduated from the University of Utah Medical School and finished his Emergency Medicine Residency from King Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles California. He spent the first few years of his career splitting his time between Victor Valley Medical Center (Victorville CA) and Valley View Medical Center (Cedar City UT) and then finally settled in Cedar City Utah. He worked for over 35 years caring for his patients and loved his work as a physician.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa Cox and children, Amy (Brent) Warren, Jason (Molly) Cox, Jared (Jennifer) Cox, Brian (Janet) Cox, Christina (John) Ross; stepchildren, Ricky (Michelle) Serra, Meghan (John) LaValla; 18 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; brothers Michael and Tony. Preceded in death by son Richard Colton Cox Jr. (Baby Rickey), father Elmer Charles Cox, mother Lorna Colton Cox, and brother Jerry.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 23, 2020 at Southern Utah Mortuary, 190 North 300 West, Cedar City, UT 84720. Visitation at 1pm and funeral service at 2pm. Online condolences can be sent to www.sumortuary.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spectrum & Daily News on Oct. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cox

Sponsored by Southern Utah Mortuary - Cedar City.

27 Entries

Jim S

November 7, 2022

I am heartbroken to learn this news before I could visit Him. I knew Rick, Dr Cox, for a number of years...thru numerous countries. He was a Brilliant, Brave, Empathetic, Personable and just an Amazing Friend. How truly Sad. This World has lost a shining beacon, One Absolutely Great Man in so many varied aspects. Together, we fed and clothed numerous orphaned youth, while constantly ensuring their welfare. I send my prayers to Rick and extend my sincerest sympathies to Family and Friends. And despite not able to elaborate, want you all to know that Rick was one of the Greatest Heroes that the World will never know. Take care Brother. We'll catch up and enjoy another laugh together on the other side.

Peggy Critzer

November 22, 2020

I still think of Rick everyday! As his sister-in-law, I always remember him being generous and kind and hospitable. He would barbecue for us and was it ever delicious! He also took us to his farmhouse. He loved to go fishing and took a few of us fishing. I also went swimming. Rick also taught me a workout trick that I still use to this very day when I go to the gym! Rick took very good care of his family and my sister Theresa. He called her Queenie. I really appreciate that he took good care of her and his family! I also really appreciate what Rick did for our country and as a physician. He was a medic in the Vietnam War and he served and saved many lives as a physician. I know God looks very favorably on him.! I love you and I miss you Rick!

Daniel Echols

November 1, 2020

You will be missed your a good man

Anthony Sparto

October 24, 2020

I have many great memories of Rick. He always made me feel welcome. I was at his house all the time ( I was his daughters boyfriend). I was always invited to dinners and family vacations. My favorite trip was on the house boat at Lake Powell. He tought me how to water ski. The night before I left for my mission he gave me 500 dollars and told me he was proud of me. He loved to have fun and laughed a lot. Thank you for being so kind. May you be blessed forever. Love Tony

Giana Hulet

October 23, 2020

Dear Cox Family,
I remember when Dr. Cox started in the ER at the old Valley View Hospital. I enjoyed our many shifts together. He was knowledgeable, sharp and empathetic. But most of all, I trusted him to give the best care to our patients. I have missed him since his retirement. He is a legend. The service today was very nice. Until we meet again kind friend.

Mick Woolsey

October 23, 2020

Dr. Cox is one of the most loving and compassionate Dr.'s I have ever worked with! Funny, crazy, and kind. It has been an honor and a privilege to work along side him. With particularly difficult patients he always said (after the murmuring!) that we are all children of God! He was an incredible man and I will miss our late night talks in the ER. He was a bright light in many lives.

Brett Baumgartner

October 23, 2020

Great guy. Glad I got to know him. My condolences

carol sparto

October 23, 2020

Im afraid i just sent condolances to the wrong richard cox only I could do this! my apologies! Rick was such a kind loving man! so good to me and my family! He loved a good joke guess thats why he threw me in his pool and I dont swim late one night ha! he loved dogs and brought one home that was dying and fed him interveiniously! I helped take care of his children and mother Lornia Cox. He was always a hard worker and set a good example for all! May our Heavenly Father welcome him home and may he comfort each family member and friends! Sincerely CarolSparto

Dr. Kenneth Bentley

October 23, 2020

Rick was great friend, big brother and teacher while we were in medical school together. He had once told me he had looked at the job in Cedar City because of my love of the area. Our infrequent meetings, always brought our view of life into prospective. There is nothiing like an old friend. I will miss you buddy. My life is less full with out you in it.

Uncle Jerry, Tony Cox, Uncle Rick

Christie Cox

October 23, 2020

Uncle Rick was always so kind and patient in everyone he was around. He always had the Cox sense of humor and that made it fun to call him. It was such a good time seeing him and two of his brothers Tony and Jerry get together. The jokes were non stop and the stories they would tell were legendary. I feel we lost a legend loosing Uncle Rick. He was one of a kind man who always thought the best of people. I’m truly sorry to all my cousins for their loss. He will be terribly missed. We will carry on the Cox traditions and laughter through us and our kids. Love you Uncle Rick! ♥

Natalie Holden

October 22, 2020

Dr. Cox was by far one of my favorite doctors to ever work with. He had a great sense of humor, and always kept me on my toes with his made up and illegible orders. He will truly be missed.

Aaron Elliott

October 22, 2020

Utmost respect and admiration for this man. You will be missed. Enjoy your fishing in heaven! I'll know where to find you when I get there.

don critzer

October 22, 2020

Rick is my favorite Brother in law and also my Army Brother.
Rick was around 20 miles from my brother John near Khe san Vietnam, Rick used to make patrols to Khe san a few times a week, he didn't know my brother but he could have actually talked with him over there as they ate together at Khe san base up in the mountains. Me and Peggy, Teri's sister used to stay a week with Rick and Teri every time we drove to Los Angeles, I really enjoyed going to the rifle range with you Rick, that was a lot of fun and all the barbeques we had etc.I'm sure you were happy to hear I sold my Harley, or "murder cycle" as you used to call it. God sure got a lot of use out of you and your healing hands here on Earth helping so many people with all their medical problems, even while you were a medic in Vietnam.
Doctors are like God's helpers. Your mission here on Earth is done, may you Rest in Peace Rick I will miss you along with the many others who Loved and respected you. I hope your Labrador dog is there to greet you at the pearly gates..........Donnie Critzer, Detroit

Debi Bateman

October 22, 2020

This is so heartbreaking to hear. I worked many shifts with Dr Cox and always enjoyed working with him. He was great to work with and so easy going. I enjoyed talking war stories ( ie similar work stories from previous hospitals). It was cathartic to talk about some of the similar encounters we had and we had a lot of laughs. One of the Best docs I’ve ever worked with. Prayers to the family for strength to get through this difficult time.

Tasha Rasmussen

October 22, 2020

He was always an amazing person. I still remember vividly going ice fishing with him and my dad and when I ended up sick in the hospital, he constantly checked on me when he had the time and it always made my day. He was an amazing family friend and I'm saddened about the loss of him but I know he's in a better place. You'll be greatly missed Dr. Cox

Ned Pjevac

October 22, 2020

Shocked and saddened. Way too early to depart. Richard was one of the Cedar City ED doctors when I started my job long time ago at Valley View. Took immediate liking to him. Light hearted demeanor, compassionate care provider, never talking down to anybody, mischievous sense of humor, calmness in crisis. When I left 20 years later, he never changed. My deepest condolences to his family and all the coworkers who had a privilege to work alongside of Richard.

Tammy Engle

October 21, 2020

Dr. Cox always took such good care of my grandkids when ever they were in Cedar. Hr was so loving and understanding with them. He will be truly missed!! So sorry for your loss!!
Tammy Topham Engle

Linda Werner

October 21, 2020

I love Dr Cox, my friend and mentor, he taught me a lot, when I was a new E M T, and I witnessed a child die from being hit by a car, I was crying and he said Linda do you see theses hand? I said yes, he said when I work on a patient they are Gods hands, I say a prayer and ask him to guide them , I want you to do the same. He was a great Doctor a good friend. Who I played many jokes on when we worked together. My love and prayers go to his family. Richard Rest In Peace. ❤

Kevin Tipton

October 21, 2020

There is not enough space here to say what I would like to about this wonderful man. I worked with him over the last 10 years in the emergency room. He had open arms and heart when I first started there and we had many late night discussions about his life, life in general and his family and hobbies. We are close in age so it was easy to have empathetic conversations. His heart is huge. What a great example. We will miss you Doctor Cox.

Janet Malachowski

October 21, 2020

I came to Cedar City many years ago with small children who seemed to always have reactive airway! My 2 am emergency room visits were always met with this smiling, calm, sweet physician who took amazing care of my boys. He also took care of my husband when he had his stroke when I was working at the hospital. I love him so much!! He was a legend here in Cedar City! He will be missed. ❤
Janet Malachowski

Sariah Hurd

October 21, 2020

What a great Legacy Richard Cox left! I love the fun, outgoing, kind, thoughtful children you and June created! Onto the next stage of life, watching out for your children on the other side! Til you meet again. God Bless the Cox family, I love you guys!❤

Dolly Hix-Willoughby

October 21, 2020

I can start to say how wonderful Dr. Cox was. He was kind towards all of us in the ER. A great role model and inspiration to all us.

Laramie Allred

October 21, 2020

Thank you to the whole family for sharing this wonderful man with the medical community. He made the EMS side feel as if our voice mattered and was needed. He is still a great role model and is leaving a great impact. This family is sending your family positive thoughts and prayers!

Spencer Thomas

October 21, 2020

I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked in Cedar for Iron County Ambulance from 2006 until 2010 and I had the pleasure to work along with Dr. Cox. I looked up to him and always enjoyed talking to him and also learning from him. He was a very kind man who would take the time to explain things to me to help me understand and grow in emergency medicine. He always had a smile on his face and I looked forward to seeing him in the ER when I would bring a patient in. My heart and prayers goes out to his family.

Joel and Chris Thompson

October 21, 2020

Dr. Cox was an easy going ED physician that we all loved. His patients would call to see if he was working, he was one of their favorite ER docs. You will sure be missed Doc. Enjoy your retirement in Heaven.

Mckenzie Bedingfield

October 21, 2020

Rick was always so kind to me from the start. The moment I met him he welcomed me with open arms. He was the type of person to give you the shirt off his back. I consider myself very l lucky to have known him. Rest In Peace.

Heather Batty

October 21, 2020

Dr Cox made a big impact on my life. I worked with him in the ER. He will always be a role model to me. He said everyone was a child of God and treated all of God’s children with Love. He will live on in my heart and many others’.

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