Billy Joe Cox

Billy Joe Cox, of Arnold, MO passed away peacefully at his home on December 27, 2025, at the age of 82. He was a loving husband to the late Eleanor Cox. He was born on July 18,1943 in Dumas, TX to the late Daniel Strong and the late Linnie Belle (Bowan) Cox. Billy resided in Atoka, OK before voluntarily enlisting in the United States Marine Corp where he proudly served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam.

Billy enjoyed a relaxing life after retiring from Yates-Suntrup Ford in Kirkwood in 2006. He enjoyed watching Westerns and reading. His happiest times were when his children and grandchildren visited. Billy was one of a kind and had a heart of gold. He stood for all that is good and he believed in helping others when able.

Billy is preceded in death by his wife Eleanor Cox, father Daniel Cox, mother Linnie Belle (Bowen) Cox, children David Eugene Cook, Dixie (Walter) Hoekstra, two brothers; Keith Cox and Enith Bolt; sister Thyra Gudgel; great grandson Micah Cannon and a great great granddaughter Serenity.

Billy is survived by his children; Elizabeth (Rick) Thomas of Union, Nancy Banda of Pevely and Paul (Migdalia) Cook of Hazelwood and 1 brother Charles Bolt of Cleburne, TX.

His grandchildren; Theresa Schaefer of House Springs, Amanda Cook of Chalmette, LA., Wichelle (Raymond) Benfield of Arnold, Melissa (Rick) Strubberg of Owensville, Christine Granger of St. Louis, Rebecca Morris of Arnold, Billy Tehandon of Imperial, Jose (Amber) Banda of Byrnes Mill, Salvadore (Katisha) Tehandon of Kokomo, IN, Paul Cook II of Byrnes Mill and William (Jamie) Cook of Arnold.

Great grandchildren Tyler, Dylan, EmmaJo (Gavinn), Alexia, Issac, Destiny, Peyton (Austin), Madyson, Dominic (Sam), Quintin (Kayla), Demetre, Bianca (Saxon), Adria, Lawrence, Elyasha, Jamarion, Johnae, Justin (Danielle), Jacob (Marissa), Katie Belle (Michael) Tomas, Isai, Fernando, Ezkiel, Jose Angel, Elijah, Paishens, Anthony, Jay, Ariel and Constance, also many great great grandchildren, family and neighbors.

A visitation will be held on January 9, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home, located at 1081 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO 63010.

The funeral service will follow on the same day at the same location from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.

A committal service is scheduled for January 9, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 12:45 pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, located at 2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125.