Francis W. "Bill" Cox

Francis W. “Bill” Cox, age 99, of East Peoria, passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 at 12:39 a.m. at the Rosewood Care Center in East Peoria. He was born Sep. 2, 1917 in Tiskilwa, IL to Datis and Frances (Landes) Cox. He married Helen Messer on July 29, 1938 in Maquoketa, Iowa. She passed away May 23, 2006 in Morton. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one son, William Dale “Billy” Cox, two brothers, and three sisters. Survivors include one son, Terry Cox of Summerfield, FL, one daughter, Vicki Cox of East Peoria, one granddaughter, Michelle Cox-Jones of Metamora, and two great-grandchildren: Hannah (Joey) Rudolphi of Chillicothe, and Maxwell Jones who is currently serving in the United States Marine Corp. Bill was a United States Navy Veteran serving in the South Pacific during WWII. Following his time in the Navy, Bill went to work for Caterpillar, Inc. then later Westinghouse Electric- Elevator Division. He worked at Westinghouse 32 years retiring in the early 1980’s. During his years at Westinghouse, Bill also took several extension courses through Bradley University. He was an avid and very accomplished golfer and bowler in the Peoria area. He also enjoyed taking organ lessons. He was a Golden Eagle Life member of the NRA, a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria and the Peoria Toastmasters. Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Funeral services will be Friday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria with Military Honors. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Helen Cox, or the charity of your choice.

Please view Bill’s obituary online at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com