OBITUARY Vernon Lee Cox, Jr. of Sullivan, MO departed this life at his home on Sunday, August 17, 2025, having reached the age of sixty-six years, seven months and six days. Vernon was born in Washington, MO on January 11, 1959, son of Vernon Lee Cox, Sr. and Eleanor Viola Cox nee Ritchey. On June 27, 1998 he was united in marriage to Annette Faye Dazey, known to all as Nettie. Vernon is survived by his wife, Nettie Cox of Sullivan, MO; by one brother, John Cox ana wife, Ruby, of Sullivan, MO; by his sister, Vicky Pelton and husband, Carl, of Blackwell, MO; by his mother-in-law, Phyllis Dazey of Sullivan, MO; by his sister-in-law, Sherry Horn and husband, Mason, of Sullivan, MO; by his brother-in-law, Raney Dazey and wife, Tina, of Washington, MO; by two aunts, Mary Cox of Albuquerque, NM and Millie Barnes of St. Clair, MO; by his uncle, Jerry Bartnett of Richmond, VA; by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon, Sr. and Peggy Cox; and by his brother, Charlie Cox. Vernon was a Christian and member of St. Clair Southern Baptist Church in St. Clair, MO. After graduating from St. Clair High School in 1977 he went on to employment at St. Clair Building Center, J&M Meat Market, East Central College in Union, MO as a security guard and eventually Walmart in Union, MO as a door greeter, retiring after seventeen years. Vernon loved to go fishing and watch western movies on television. He also enjoyed fixing lawn mowers and tinkering with various small engines. He was a very sociable man that enjoyed talking to people. A kind and loving husband, brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, nephew, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Monday, August 25, 2025 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Bill Savage officiating. A private committal will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family.