Paul Willis Cox, 87, of Joplin, MO, died April 6, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO.
Born Oct. 15, 1928, in Joplin, he was the son of Homer and Pauline Davis Cox. He lived most of his life in Joplin, MO and Pittsburg, KS. He married the love of his life, Modena Lee Melton, on April 7, 1951. By profession he was a music teacher beginning his teaching career at Metz, MO.
Paul was drafted into the U. S. Army during the Korean War serving in the band at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. After discharge from the military he returned to teaching serving both elementary and junior high schools as band teacher in Pittsburg, KS. Later in his teaching career he became a guidance counselor at the Pittsburg Middle School.
Paul served Trinity Baptist Church, Pittsburg, KS as a deacon and as the music director for twenty years. Later, he attended South Broadway Baptist Church before retiring and moving back to Joplin. In Joplin, Paul joined with Fellowship Baptist Church where he taught a senior adult Sunday School class for many years and played his clarinet in the church band.
Paul loved attending Missouri Southern State University basketball games with his brother, playing ping-pong, hitting the greens at the golf course and visiting with his friends. His fellow school teachers in Pittsburg, KS honored Paul for his love of golf by holding an annual P. Cox Golf Tournament for several years.
Paul’s love for music can be seen today in the life of many of his former students and even his family members as they carry-on his musical traditions. His constant encouragement is often mentioned by former students. Many claim he was their best teacher. A few have said if it wasn’t for him, they would have quit school. Most of his children and grandchildren play musical instruments and one is planning to major in music when they attend college. He is attracted to the idea of becoming a teacher like his grandfather. Paul’s lasting musical legacy is summed up best in Mr. Cox’s Opus Facebook page where several have left positive comments. He will be missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Modena Lee Cox and a grand-daughter, Leslie Denise Snapp.
Survivors include a brother, Robert Cox of Joplin; two daughters, Diane Snapp (Lynn) of Joplin and Paula Shepherd (Larry) of Bella Vista, AR; son Rob Cox (Shelly) of Cheyenne, WY; seven grandchildren, Alisa Watts (Josh), Jeremy Snapp, Gabe Shepherd (Amanda), Candace Lee (Matt), Mikaela Cox, Bryce Cox, Jamerra Cox; eight great-grandchildren, Kyle Watts (Michelle), Khanin Watts, Kameron Watts, Kayla Watts, Ella Shepherd, Aaron Lee, Sarah Lee and Joseph Lee; and one great-great-grandson, Maddox Watts.
Funeral services for Mr. Cox are 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2016 at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri. Burial will follow in the Osborne Memorial Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2-4:00 p.m. at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.
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