David Dwuane Cox

Dave was born on September 14, 1941, in Leon, Iowa, to Clinton and Lahoma Cox. His early years were spent in a one-room farmhouse in northern Missouri before the family moved to the Quad Cities in Iowa. A gifted student-athlete at Bettendorf High School, Dave excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track, where he set records that endure to this day.

Continuing his academic and athletic pursuits at Iowa State Teacher's College (now the University of Northern Iowa), Dave competed in three sports and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education with a minor in History. He later obtained a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University). In 2015, Dave's contributions to athletics were honored when his 1960 football team was inducted into the UNI Football Hall of Fame.

During his first semester of college in 1959, Dave met Carol Ann Fabricius. They married on June 10, 1962, in Osage, Iowa. Dave's career as a teacher and coach took them to Bettendorf High School, Wapsie Valley High School, Spencer High School, and Fort Dodge High School before he transitioned into athletic administration roles at Iowa State University, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and Kansas State University. Throughout his career, Dave was more than a coach, teacher or administrator; he was a mentor in life lessons.

At the age of 57, Dave and Carol retired to Westbrook Village in Peoria, Arizona. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, fishing at the family cabin in Ely, Minnesota (Go Team Walleye!), and sharing stories with his signature sense of humor. Above all else, Dave cherished the relationships he built throughout his life. He had a life well lived!

Dave is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol; daughter Jenny (Brad Ridnour); son Bobby (Karen); grandchildren Mackenzie (Clark Featherstone), Brady (Claire Ridnour), Cody, Carter, Annie; great-grandson Charlie; siblings Dana (Neil Phillips), Denny, Deb (John Irvine); and many nieces and nephews.

Dave's greatest legacy is his family. He leaves them with lessons of unconditional love, a playful spirit and the ability to invest in others. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Arizona Broadway Theatre (https://azbroadway.org/support/donate-now/). A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.