Daryl Cox

Daryl Burton Cox, 86, Clifton, died June 13, 2016 in Lenexa, Ks. following a brief and courageous battle with lymphoma. Daryl was born on March 16, 1930 to George and Emilie Cox in Clifton, Kansas. Except for his years in the Navy, Daryl spent his entire life in Clifton. He is preceded in death by his parents and by an infant daughter, Karin Leann. Daryl is survived by his four children: Kirk Cox, Clifton, Mark (Cheryl) Cox of Santa Cruz, California, Cheryl (Jay) Hotchkiss of St. Louis, Missouri, and Amy (Shaun) Moore of Shawnee, Kansas. He was a beloved “Papa” to nine grandchildren: Kristen Cox, Kevin and Shawn Cox, Jannah, Erin, Grace, and Sam Hotchkiss, and Landon and Jensen Moore. He is also survived by the mother of his children and loving friend, Barbara Cox. Daryl’s siblings all survive and include Donnis Knoettgen and Francis (Doreen) Cox of Clifton and Darlene Swartz of Blue Springs, Missouri as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Daryl graduated from Clifton High School in 1948 and proudly served his country in the Navy during the Korean War from 1951-1955. He was in the R Division aboard the U.S.S. Rochester where he was a First Class pipefitter and welder. Daryl began working alongside his father at a young age, learning important life lessons and worked with his father and brother in the family water well drilling business. Daryl was a friend to everyone. He enjoyed meeting people and documenting life through writing letters and taking pictures. He was an avid gardener and spent many hours canning with one of his greatest pleasures being sharing his fruits and vegetables with others. He also stayed in touch with many of his navy friends over the years and enjoyed contact with those special friends. Daryl documented his life’s experiences through his writing. Daryl held many leadership positions including former president of the Kansas Water Well Driller’s Association, A lifetime member of the Clifton American Legion and the Clyde VFW as well as a former commander of the Clifton American Legion Post 227. He was a member of the Clifton school board for many years as well as a member of the Clifton Historical Society. Daryl chose cremation. Visitation will be Monday, June 20th from 9:00-10:30 followed by a memorial service at Faith United Church Presbyterian, Clifton with Jay Hotchkiss presiding. A graveside military service and urn burial will follow at Clifton I.O.O.F. cemetery. The family requests donations be made to the Clifton American Legion Post 227 or the Clifton Historical Society.