Philip D. Cox

Philip Diehl Cox passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 22, 2021.

He was a humble son, brother, and husband, exceptional father and uncle, affectionate grandfather and great-grandfather.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Dr. Warren M. Cox II and Ruby Mae (née Diehl) on July 29, 1930. The second of four sons, he grew up in Evansville, Indiana. When Phil was thirteen, his parents adopted two additional boys, creating a home affectionately known as "Turmoil" filled with the energy of six boys in rural Indiana. This happy home became the epicenter of Phil's early years and shaped his love for nature. It is where he raised his first award-winning pig and learned the secrets of connecting with the earth. Together, Phil and his brothers created a legacy of love that continues to nourish their many offspring.

Lieutenant Colonel Philip D. Cox began his career as Second Lieutenant Air Operations Officer in 1951, training the pilots of Korea and Vietnam. His proudest achievement was being part of the 604th Air Commando Squadron (ACS). They were assigned the task of testing, under combat, a newer fighter aircraft, the A-37A Dragonfly. It was a fighter jet that would surpass all expectations and eclipse all other aircraft flying close air support for ground troops in approximately 75,000 combat missions. During this time, he also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1964.

After his military career, being an early riser, Phil dedicated 25 years to driving the Floyd Central High School, Highland Hills Middle School, and Georgetown Elementary school children over the rolling hills of Southern Indiana. As a bus driver, he was respected and revered as the fighter pilot. Phil had a deep, bellowing voice when he needed one, and this was a place he needed it often. His commanding voice to "keep things down" was one to remember. He also loved his weekly bowling group and was proud to report his scores.

As a grandfather, he was generous and joyful, encouraging his flock to cultivate talents, and rewarded hard work with respect. He left us every Christmas with some musings of the past, moments when all busyness would cease and the family gathered in the music room to share songs learned and memories earned. In his last years, his humility was ever clearer, and his willingness to be served by those he watched grow.

Quiet and reserved, he did a lot of interior work. Later in life he said "I love you" a lot more. He was a hard worker on the inside. When he spoke, it was scarce but deep with meaning. He loved his house on the creek and his prolific garden, creating a home filled with love. He honored nature above all, was connected to it. His garden is where he nourished himself, gathered joy, and found pride.

Throughout his life, he invited his family to stop and cherish the little things in life. From a perfectly buttered piece of toast to his legendary hickory-smoked turkey. There is not a tree he could not name. We like to think he is there, in everything he so loved. In the blades of grass, in the leaves of every tree, in the splashing water of the creek.

The greatest influence in Phil's life was his mother, Ting. Of all the sons, he embodied Ting's virtues and values the most and passed down her love through his actions. In 1973, his younger brother, David, wrote a beautiful poem for her memorial service. The pronouns here were modified to "he."

Even his wisdom was gentle--
"The things you worry about never happen"
"Blessed is nothing; it's so easy to keep"
And in that he gives us a lesson to live by.

He lived by uncomplicated virtues
Be kind, show kind, and it will be returned
he said it, he demonstrated it
And in that he gives us a lesson to live by.

His laughter, his joy was without affectation
As was his sorrow - his pain
It was infectious - it grew on those around
And in that he gives us a lesson to live by.

He carried his dignity without pretension
He was never asked to defend it
He never offered to define it
And in that he gives us a lesson to live by.

And he thought of other people
Friends, family, and persons unknown
But they knew and they received and they remembered
And in that he gives us a lesson to live by.

Encompassing these lessons, these qualities
An overriding, abiding warmth
It was his nature; it was his love
And in that he gives us a lesson to live by.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Warren M. Cox II and Ruby Mae, Evansville, Indiana; his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Warren M. Cox III (Barbara), Louisville, Kentucky; his brothers David Cox, Galax, Virginia, Walter C. (Jack) Deal, Jr., and Robert Lee Deal and his wife of 55 years, Judith Cox (née Gaines).

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. John Cox, Evansville, Indiana; his children, Ariane Edmundson, Texas; Vivian Arcidiacono, Texas, Eric M. Cox (Dina), Indiana, and Kevin D. Cox (Susan), Tennessee; his grandchildren, Antonia, John Anton, Amelia, Justin (Ashlee), Sophia, Emma, Corinne, Abby, Gehrid, and Bethany; plus his great-grandchildren, Luke and Layne. He held a special place in his heart for his niece, Melinda A. Cox, Kentucky, and nephew, Thomas H. Cox (Lisa), Indiana; as well as their extended families.

The family would like to thank Cara Deaton, Theresa Adams, Annie Phelps, and Terri-Jo Downs, plus the Hospice and Visiting Angels staff.

A celebration of life will follow in the spring where a tree will be planted in his name. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Audubon Society in his name (www.audubon.org).

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