Ernest Cox

THEBES, Ill. -- Ernest Cox, 82, of Thebes died Monday, Nov. 18, 2002, at his home.

He was born Feb. 6, 1920, at Bell City, Ky., son of Hester Mae McClure Cox. He and Patricia Louise "Pat" Bupp were married Nov. 11, 1950, in Piggott, Ark.

Cox was a retired construction worker. He was a member of Laborers Local 773 in Cairo, Ill.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and received a Purple Heart.

Survivors include his wife; eight daughters, Shirley Clifford of East Cape Girardeau, Ill., Susie Christensen and Amy Day of Olive Branch, Ill., Joyce Findley of Danville, Ky., Debbie Buie of Tamms, Ill.; Hester Hargrove of Birmingham, Ala., Marie Cox of Cape Girardeau, Mandy McHarry of Thebes; 19 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, his twin brother, a grandson, and a great-grandson.

Friends may call at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday.

The funeral will be at noon Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Billy Don Heady and Edwin Findley officiating. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery, with full military honors by Pulaski County VFW Post 8891 of Mounds, Ill.