Samuel Edwards Cox, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away on August 15, 2017, in his home in Midvale, UT. Sam was born February 8, 1932 in Pocatello, Idaho to George and Ella Cox. Sam was a devoted and selfless man who loved and served his family, Church, and country.
He lived most of his life in Salt Lake City and graduated from Granite High School. He joined the Marines and served his country proudly in Korea from 195≠0 to 1951. Soon after arriving home from Korea, Sam was called as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Switzerland from 1952 to 1954.
Sam married Janis Burton in the Salt Lake Temple on November 22, 1954. They were blessed with five children and almost 40 beautiful years together. During their marriage, they enjoyed attending University of Utah football games, drinking malts, and spending time with their family. After Janis passed away, Sam married Trudy Burtenshaw Nielson on November 20, 1993 in the Salt Lake Temple. Sam and Trudy shared 24 wonderful years together. They served a full-time mission in Peoria, Illinois, a short full-time mission in the Union Park Stake, and a 3-year church service mission at the Utah state prison. Sam and Trudy loved their Friday night dinner dates until the very end. His family is forever blessed by his loving influence and certain of that continuing relationship in the life to come.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents George and Ella Cox; his wife Janis Burton Cox; and two of his sons, David Cox and Michael Cox. He is survived by his wife Trudy; children Stephen (Jodene) Cox, Christine (Bryan) Whipple, and Sherri (Ronald) Hicks; Trudy's children John-David Nielson, Nicole (Randall) Thacker, and Heston Nielson; and his brother Ed (Joan) Cox. Sam was also Papa to 18 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Union Park 2nd Ward Chapel; 7500 S. 700 E. Midvale, UT. Viewings will be held Friday, August 18, 2017, from 6-8 PM and Saturday 10-10:45 AM at the same location. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS general missionary fund.
