Donald Thomas Cox, fondly known as Don, age 90, Richmond, passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at Friends Fellowship Community.
Born May 21, 1931, in Richmond, Indiana, to Joseph Oscar Cox and Loretta A. Korves-Cox, Don was a lifelong resident of Richmond and a resident of Florida for many years. After graduating from Richmond High School in 1949, he was stationed in Panama and served for the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean War. Upon his return, Don resumed school and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University in 1957.
That summer, he married Mary Jacqueline “Jackie” Cox at Saint Andrew Catholic Church on June 22, 1957. Don worked with his father and brother, John Richard “Dick”, at their family-operated business, Cox’s Supermarkets, Inc., for 54 years. Don became the president and chief executive officer in the 1970s, and he retired when Marsh Supermarkets purchased the business, retained its staff and acquired all assets in 1999.
Throughout his entire life, Don was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and held deep passions for his faith, family and community. Don was known for his contagious positivity, and he was a quiet mentor and philanthropist.
He served many years on the Saint Andrew Catholic Church parish council and participated on several community and corporate boards, including Superfoods, Parkview, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Richmond Rotary, Harrington Bank, Wayne Dairy and the Quarterback Club. Additionally, Don was a member of the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), Elks Lodge and Forest Hills Country Club.
Don enjoyed travel and loved sports, particularly Cincinnati Bengals football and Cincinnati Reds baseball.
Survivors include his daughter, Mary Lee (Bruce) Linginfelter; grandchildren, Joseph, Emily and Claire Linginfelter; brother, John Richard (Janice) Cox; sister, Ann (William) Schwanekamp; nieces; nephews; cousins; and many lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary Jacqueline “Jackie” Cox; parents; and brother, James (Nancy) Cox.
The family shares their gratitude to the staff of Friends Fellowship Community for their supportive and compassionate care.
Father Sengole T. Gnanaraj will officiate the Liturgy of Christian Burial for Donald Thomas Cox at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery with the Wayne County Honor Guard providing military honors. Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374, is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a memorial contribution to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 240 South Sixth Street, Richmond, IN 47374.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.