Charles Cox Obituary

With heavy hearts, we remember and celebrate the life of our sweet and loving father who touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know him. Our dad, Charles Edward Cox, was born July 16, 1933, to Albert and Mary (Tyler) Cox. He was not only a son, but also a devoted husband married to Jacquelynn (Prague) Cox for 70 years on October 21, 2025. He was a loving father to five daughters (Diana/Kevin Matlock (FL); Cherie/Walt Amparano (Peru); Debbie/Kenny Dunlap (Kokomo); Brenda/Russell Shafer (Amboy); and Julie/Kent Worland (Peru). He was an impressive grandfather to Shane/Sherry Matlock; Nichole/Justin Mize; Brooke/Charles Mumaw; Jami Jenkins; Julie Amparano; Keith Ledbetter; Kimberly/Jacob Larmer; Tyler/Dusty Dunlap; Nick/Amy Dunlap; Cory/Abby Shafer; Cody/Jordan Shafer; Cole/Alyssa Shafer; and Keaton/Tiffanie Worland. Charles Cox was an inspiration to many and Peyton Matlock, Tristyn Armstrong, Colton Alexander, Emberlynne Mize, Sydnie (Jordan) Witfoth, Kamryn Mumaw, Preston Jenkins, Gabe Jenkins, Anthony Vela, Eric Martinez, Zavier Larmer, Mia Larmer, Laila Larmer, Tyson Larmer, Grayson Dunlap, Presley Dunlap, Carsyn Dunlap, Brody Shafer, Jaxon Shafer, Blake Shafer, Hunter Shafer, Barrett Shafer, Kypton Worland, Annalynne Worland, and baby Shafer, due in February 2026, have the honor to call him great grandpa! Our dad was a friend, business owner (Cox Appliance), and a disciple of Jesus Christ. Charles had six siblings; Mary Catherine, Robert (Bob) Cox, Joyce (Peewee) Lewis, Beverly Sue Hizer, and Nancy Walker, all of whom are deceased and one surviving young brothers Joe (Underpass Joe) Cox. Throughout his life, our father demonstrated kindness, brought joy through laughter, and had an unwavering devotion to family. Dad's presence was a gift; his smile was contagious, and a source of joy and his friendship was always for a lifetime. His care and compassion for our family and even perfect strangers was amazing. He was a generous, giving man full of grace and dignity. Our dad served our nation in the Korean War and his military decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He attended the Main Street United Methodist Church for over 60 years. Dad's talents, wisdom, and knowledge were shared not through grand gestures, but rather through everyday acts of love, encouragement, and gentle guidance. Whether in moments of celebration or times of great difficulty, his steadfast and nurturing support made all the difference in the world. Many of our friends even felt as if our dad, at times, was their dad too. Our dad always had a listening ear and a strong shoulder to lean on. His fun stories and thoughtful advice will forever echo in our memories. His passions-be it woodworking, golf, bowling, music, camping, theater, drawing, IU, the Chicago Bears, fixing ANYTHING (his way), doting on our precious mother and spending time with family-were reflected in the way he inspired others to see the good in things. Our dad's legacy of family lives on in each one of our hearts. He built a strong bond for our family and strengthened that bond with love; while teaching us it was always important to spend time together and made us realize it was always better to help one another in addition to helping others in need. While our sadness is deep, so too is our gratefulness for the time God allowed us to share our lives with him. We want to honor our dad's memory by trying to live with that same kindness, courage, and joy he brought to each one of us. A service celebrating the life of Charles E. Cox will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Main Street United Methodist Church, 81 W. Main St. Peru, with Rev. Billy Hayes officiating. Burial will be at the Mt. Hope Cemetery with military honors provided by the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St. Peru, and at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. The service will be live streamed on the "Main Street United Methodist Church, Peru" Facebook page. Memorial donations may be made to the Main Street United Methodist Church. To our sweet dad, though you are no longer with us in body, your spirit and our precious memories will remain, guiding us with hope and love. You already are dearly missed, remembered always, and cherished forever. Thank you, dad, for being YOU! ~Your Loving Family
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