Funeral services for David Eugene Cox, 59, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Cox passed away surrounded by his family on December 4, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father and friend whose love and dedication touched everyone who knew him.
David was born in Houston, Missouri on April 30, 1966, to Clifford and Louise Cox. He graduated from West Plains High School in 1984, where he proudly served as captain of the football team. On June 14, 1985, he married his high school sweetheart, Jeannie. Together, they shared 40 years of marriage and raised two children, Zach and Courtney.
David worked f or Howell Oregon Electric for 33 years, retiring on February 28, 2023. He loved his work and took it seriously, often putting in long hours to keep the lights on for families he didn’t even know. Before retiring, David founded Cox Lawn Care in 2022, which quickly became his new passion. Family and friends teased him about working harder after retirement, but he truly loved mowing, trimming and perfecting every yard. His precision and skill made him highly sought after in the community.
A lifelong football fan, David played all four years of high school and was known as an all-star player. He was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, never missing a game and hosting epic football barbecues that became family events. Watching the Chiefs win three Super Bowls brought him immense joy.
David’s greatest pride was his family. Jeannie was the love of his life and he dedicated himself to bringing her happiness. He was deeply proud of Zach and Courtney, always teaching them life skills and encouraging independence.
David loved the outdoors, especially golf. He taught Courtney to play and proudly followed her through her high school and college golf career. David was so proud when Courtney got an ACE at her state tournament, a memory he talked about frequently. In recent years, Zach also took up the sport, giving David even more pride getting to play with his son. David delighted in family tournaments where everyone – even Jeannie – joined in, filling the days with laughter and many “Jeannie-isms”. Some of David’s fondest memories were on the golf course, competing and laughing with all his sons: Zach, Matthew and Cody.
David was a devout Christian who believed wholeheartedly that God was in control. His faith guided him and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Jeannie; his children, Zachariah Cox and Laura Moore of West Plains, Courtney Hamilton and husband, Matthew of Nixa, Missouri and bonus son Cody Swearengin of West Plains; his mother, Louise Cox of West Plains; brothers Terry Cox and wife, Pam of Fort Worth, Texas and Stan Cox and wife, Jenny of Rogersville, Missouri; sister Sharon Chronister and husband, Greg of Kimberling City, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
His father, Clifford Cox and his son, Zebulon Samuel Cox, preceded him in death.
“We are forever changed by losing him, but even more profoundly changed by having him.” – Courtney
Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to CASA, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
