Melvin 'Gene' Cox

Gene Cox, 68 of Winterset died Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. A visitation with family present will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 19, at Ochiltree Funeral Service in Winterset. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 20, at Ochiltree Funeral Service with burial to follow in the Union Chapel Cemetery in Madison County. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation and online condolences can be left at ochiltree.com. Melvin “Gene” Cox, son of Aldon “Lee” and Joan (Janes) Cox, was born February 4, 1950 in the state of Iowa. He was united in marriage with Janelle Fairholm on November 25, 1995 at the Zion Federated Church on the Madison County Historical Complex in Winterset. Gene worked for Monarch Food driving truck and later for RR Donnelley. His favorite job was being a self-employed Arborist. Gene finished his working career at CKFairCo. Gene enjoyed going fishing and was a talented baker, rhubarb crisp, being one of his specialties. He loved to make people laugh and was known for jumping out and scaring friends and family alike. Gene was a talented story teller who enjoyed sharing his experiences. His favorite place in the world to visit was Colorado, making several trips throughout the years. Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who cherished nothing more than spending time with the ones he loved. Gene is survived by his wife, Janelle Cox of Winterset; three children, Monty (Lena) Cox of Greenfield; Gentry (Bill) Gutierrez of Winterset; Eli Cox of Winterset; four grandchildren, Vincent, Danielle, Caelan and Lauren; one great granddaughter, Addy; siblings, Marvin (Denise) Cox of Winterset; Dixie Grimes of Des Moines; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Joan Cox; and a brother, Harry Cox.