Cover photo for Dennis Earl Cox's Obituary
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1946 Dennis 2024

Dennis Earl Cox

September 26, 1946 — July 13, 2024

Dennis Cox, 77, died Saturday, in his home in Salem, Oregon. He is survived by his best friend &
loving wife of 60 plus years, Darlene Cox, and three grown children: Daughters Valerie Bouchard
(Mike) and Sabrina Pfeiler (Ed) of California and Son Richard Cox (April) also of Salem, Oregon.
Preceding him in death was son, Dennis, Jr. of California.
Dennis was born in Selma, California, September 26, 1946. He was the oldest of five children born of
Clifford Henry Cox (Henry or Hank) and Dora Lorraine Frantzich (Lorraine). Siblings preceding him
in death were brothers Gary Cox in Viet Nam and David Cox in California. Surviving siblings Judi
Warner (Larry) and Johnny Cox (Patti) reside in California.
He attended schools in Central California until 17 when he enlisted in the United States Army.
Stationed at Ft Ord, California, he wed Darlene after basic training. They resided in the Marina-Seaside
area until their first born, Valerie, was six months old. Dennis was sent to Korea where he served for 13
months. His final duty station of this first term was Ft. Huachuca, Arizona.
After 80 days of civilian life and discovering a second child, Denny (Dennis Jr) was coming, Dennis
reenlisted and was sent to Germany. Denny arrived three months later in Heidelberg, Germany. After
Germany, he was sent to Ft. Lewis, Washington. A third child, Sabrina, was born in Tacoma. During
this time, his brother Gary was killed in Viet Nam. Disenchanted with the military now, Dennis
discharged out with a General discharge under honorable conditions. Fourth and final child Richard
was the only civilian birth (Carmichael, CA).
During his service years, his MOS was transportation. A nomadic life was what he and Darlene knew
best so as a civilian, he got into the trucking industry. He drove casual for many different trucking
companies for a few years before getting permanent positions including some years of Teamsters
trucking. Through the years he has hauled hay, sheep, hanging meat, produce, propane both local and
long haul. He has driven the desert heat without a.c. and chained in the snow while violently ill with the
flu. Trucking is a feast or famine type of industry, so during famine, he sold refurbished yard sales at
the auction, dismantled appliances for the copper and metals to sell to scrap yards, took the family on
roadside hikes to collect cans and bottles. He did whatever was necessary to provide for his family,
including selling his blood as frequently as allowed when his 3rd-born was an infant.
Dennis has made his family at home in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Indiana. He was
a family man through and through. To be sure his children didn’t lack because of his work, he would
get home for his mandatory rest and take the family on an outing in the great outdoors. They would
enjoy while he slept before going on the road again. Or have them follow him in their private vehicle so
they could be with him when he laid over. Or take turns riding along with him when permitted.
Grandpa was one of his favorite titles. His grandchildren knew that he adored them. He took them
fishing and camping (two of his favorite pastimes) just as soon as their parents allowed. Other hobbies
included gold panning, photography, guitar, bird watching, hiking and nature in general. He loved when
any of the grands or greats could participate in any way with him. He is survived by 10 grandchildren,
Michelle, Mikey (Jamie), Megan (Walter), Marissa (Russell), Madalyn (Michael), Rob, Steven, Eddie,
Corey (Mikayla), and Addy. Great-grandchildren include, Autumn, Hunter, Joey, Damon, Anakin,
Marshall, Brooklyn, and Ella. Though he was not able to stay for the birth of Wesley in December, he
was photographed with Wesley’s “picture”.
Dennis had a very strong faith, was ultra conservative, believed the Bible was the Word of God and the
final say. He was a true commandment follower and belonged to the Red Bluff Seventh-day Adventist
church in California. Though his deteriorating health dictated a move to Oregon six years ago, he left
his membership in the church in which he was baptized.
There will only be virtual services, dates and times still to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, Dennis would welcome your support of Veterans Wounded Warrior Project. He was
also in great support of anything suicide prevention. Dennis was a strong advocate of the 2nd
Amendment and would have appreciated any support of our 2nd amendment rights. Last, but not least,
the Red Bluff Seventh-day Adventist Church, Red Bluff, California.
Www.keizerchapel.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dennis Earl Cox, please visit our flower store.

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