It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Donnie Ray Cox, which occurred on the evening of December 8th, 2025 at the age of 75.
Don Cox was born in Wichita, KS on February 2nd, 1950 to Esther and Earl Cox. He resided in Kansas as a husband, father, pharmacist, dentist, and respiratory therapist. Don was a well-educated man that embraced learning. He was a graduate of Mid America Nazarene College, where he met his wife of 54 years. After Mid America he attended Kansas University, The University of Texas Health Science Center, and Emporia State University in Kansas.
Besides education, he was a true outdoorsman at heart, and in his mid-50s the “mountains began to call.” So, in 2007 he made his way to Colorado, a state he dreamt of living in since he was a child. His love of nature was shared by his family of five. A wife, a son, and 2 daughters were graced by his wisdom and depth through amazing storytelling, adventures and other experiences.
Don possessed passion and energy that drove him to work, plan, and care for his family. Whether it was a project involving his professional life or his personal, like family vacations, storytelling, history lessons; we as his family always knew we were up for an adventure. Nothing can replace the memory of those experiences and the great stories that can be passed along to family and friends. These memories are part of his heritage, linking him to his greatest role of being a family man. He adored his loved ones, and on the evening of his passing, surrounded by his family of 5, he took his last breath.
Don was a man of truth, faith, and kindness. His open mind and acceptance for those around him created a platform of genuine love for everyone to witness. His legacy lives on not only through his children, but through his lessons, words, and actions. He is survived by his wife Melanie of 54 years, his children: Todd (Khara); Kristen (Shree); and Emily, as well as his brother Mickey. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Aidan, Kaia, Kayden, Kella, and Kleo.
We want to send a special thank you to the hospice team that provided such critical care for Don during this time. Mountain Ridge Hospice and their nurses offered Don and his family such vital support and guidance needed to get through this difficult time. Thank you for caring so deeply. And a thank you to Shrine of Remembrance for your caring hearts, for your kindness and support.