COX, Robert

COX, Sgt. Robert Dean

Retired police Sgt. Robert Dean Cox, age 79, of Middletown, passed away on February 27th, 2021, at Otterbein Hospice. He was born September 16th, 1941, the son of Merle and Margie (Purvis) Cox. He is

preceded in death by his son, Robert (Bobby) Cox Jr.;

brothers, Roger Cox, William Cox, Bill Cox and sister, Diane Pate. Robert is survived by his brothers, Russell Cox and

Joseph Cox; his cousin, Fred Purvis; his daughters, Stephanie (Troy) Baker, Margaret "Maggie" (Mark) Woods; grandsons, Tyler (Victoria) Baker, Brady Baker and Lucas Baker;

granddaughters, Hilliary Woods and Madelline Woods; one great-grandson and namesake, Wade Elliot Robert Baker, born one day after his death.

"Bob" loved the life of service and served his country in both the Army and Navy starting at the age of 17. He received

honorable discharge from each branch. He then went on to serve his community as a police officer. He often spoke fondly of his time as a fledgling patrolman. He couldn't believe he was getting paid to do it. He said he loved it so much he would have done it for free. He went on to earn the rank of Sergeant where he served until his retirement. He called this season of his career a "unique honor and special privilege." He thoroughly enjoyed and took very seriously his leadership role for the police and the community. He considered

Middletown his beloved home and took great pride in serving its citizens. He was well known everywhere and most people knew him by name or as "Sarge". In his latter years, before he became ill, Robert loved to be outside and enjoyed his daily walks at Smith Park. He walked in the sun, rain and the snow. He walked day and night. He was asked if he considered it safe to walk alone at night like that. He replied that he had determined that this was "his city" and that he would walk wherever and whenever he wanted. He also mentioned that he carried a gun. He enjoyed going out to eat with friends and getting coffee and chatting with what he called "all the other old people" at the local McDonalds many days a week. He loved to use his senior discount all over town. Mostly he loved spending time with his family and they loved being with him. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be 12:00-1:00PM on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Home, 517 South Sutphin Street, Middletown, Ohio. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Kim Arnold officiating. The Middletown Police Honor Guard and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard will be present. His remains will be committed at

sea by the United States Navy. Please visit

www.breitenbach-anderson.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sign the guestbook at Legacy.com