Gardner C. Cox was born the son of Fred Cox and Annie Brazeal Cox on December 10, 1917 in Thayer, Missouri and departed this life February 12, 2012 in Salem, Arkansas at the age of 94 years.
He was united in marriage February 7, 1939 in Thayer, Missouri to Hallie Marie Arnold, who preceded him in death on May 31, 1988.
He is survived by one son, Dennis Cox and wife, Gloria of Springfield, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Martha Cox of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Joe L. Cox and wife, Kim of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Robert Cox and wife, Timber of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Jana Barton of West Plains, Missouri, Andy Perry of Springfield, Missouri, Cindy Ingwerson and husband, Tim of Springfield, Missouri, Darren McGoldrick and wife, Cindy of Branson, Missouri and Dennis Clayton Cox and wife, Brandi of Springfield, Missouri; eleven great grandchildren; ten great great grandchildren; one sister, Vitress Cantrell of Anchorage, Alaska; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one son, Joe E. Cox; two brothers, Paul and David Cox and three sisters, Verla Stanley, Lura Evans and Ruth Aggans.
Mr. Cox was a Veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Army during World War II. He was a Military Policeman, a Sharpshooter and received the World War II Victory Ribbon.
Gardner will be remembered as the owner and operator of Cox Chevrolet Dealership in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas from 1961 until 1971. While in this business, he made many lasting friends, which he cherished for a lifetime.
He was a member of the Thayer First Baptist Church, a devoted father, grandfather and a loyal friend. He will truly be missed by all.
Graveside services will be Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Arytown/Pleasant Hill Cemetery east of Thayer with Reverend Gerald Bounds officiating. The body will lie in state at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer until time of the service. Burial will be in the Arytown/Pleasant Hill Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.