KENNETT — Donald Ray Cox, son of the late O. T. Cox and Rennie Masters Cox, was born Thursday, Nov. 9, 1948, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, at his residence in Poplar Bluff at the age of 72 years, three months and 10 days.
On Oct. 29, 2017, in Poplar Bluff, he was united in marriage to LaVonda (Sam) Benton.
He graduated from Stockton High School. He was a former pastor of the Bible Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, but also worked in construction, was a mechanic and truck driver. His hobbies included playing the piano and guitar and singing gospel music.
Survivors include his wife, LaVonda (Sam) Cox of the home in Poplar Bluff; sons, Donnie Ray Cox, Jr. of Poplar Bluff and Nathan Cox of Knoxville, Tennessee; daughter, Tara Burton of Mesa, Arizona; other children, Christopher McGregor of Oregon, David Blaska of Alaska, Sammy Ray Nasholm of Oregon; six grandchildren, Alyssa Hon of Malvern, Arkansas, Kayla Taylor of Tempe, Arizona, Kayleigh Burton, Ashley Burton, Kelsey Burton and Crispon Burton, all of Mesa, Arizona; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kevin Cox and sisters, Peggy Benton, Ruth Moore, and Telsey Luxton.
A memorial service for Donald Cox will be at noon, Saturday, March 13 at the Bible Baptist Church, 549 S. C St. in Poplar Bluff. Pastor Kevin Goble will officiate.
Powell Funeral & Cremation Services, Kennett, is in charge of arrangements.