Robert E. Cox, 64, died Sept. 19, 2005, at Hutchinson Hospital. He will be greatly missed by a loving family and many friends.

He was born Jan. 28, 1941, in Hutchinson, the son of Floyd and Clara Cox. A lifelong Hutchinson resident, he graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1959. On May 27, 1962, he married Barbara Ann Southard in Haviland. She survives.

Robert was a printer for 31 years, working at R.L. Polk, Mutual Press, and Roberts Hutch-Line, retiring in 1991. In 1966, he received an honorable discharge from the Air National Guard after serving six years as a jet engine mechanic. He also was an active member of the Hutchinson Police Reserve for many years, retiring in 1989 at the rank of sergeant.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was a familiar sight at his sons and grandchildren's activities. In particular, he loved attending their sporting events, school programs and scouting activities. He also was a history buff and longtime fan of Royals baseball and KU Jayhawks basketball.

He was a member of South Hutchinson United Methodist Church.

Robert was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Christine Diane; his parents; and a brother, James.

Survivors include: two sons, Brian and wife, Tammie, Lee's Summit, Mo., and Darrin and wife, Lois, Hutchinson; a brother, F.C. and wife, Gay, San Antonio; and five grandchildren, Kelsey, Katelynn and Kristen, Lee's Summit, Mo., and Jeremy and Trevor, Hutchinson.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, Hutchinson, with Rev. Richard A. Zimmerman presiding. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson, with military graveside rites conducted by McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorials may be sent to Cub Scout Pack 321 or to the church, in care of the funeral home.