Clifford Lee Cox, 70, of Lexington and Overton, died Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington, surrounded by his loving family.     

He was born August 26, 1938, at Wichita, Kansas, to Martin Lee and Irma Genevieve (Higgins) Cox. Cliff moved to Lexington as a young man and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1957. He then entered the United States Army in 1958, serving until he was Honorably Discharged in 1964. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Elaine E. Ringenberg on June 3, 1962, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington. Two children were blessed to this union; Karmajo and David.     

After his marriage Clifford worked as a meat cutter at 6th Street Locker & Grocery, which was later purchased by Dwight Trautman. He also worked for the State of Nebraska Road Department, Nash-Finch, Coors of Mid-Nebraska, and owned and operated Cliff's Market in Overton from 1980-1989, but perhaps his favorite job was his last, he worked as a feedlot cowboy for M&M Feeders until he retired in 2007.     

Clifford was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington, past member of the Jaycees, Overton Fire Department, Civil Defense Director in Overton and also rode with the Pony Express.    

He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease. His loves were his family and when you asked about his grandchildren, he got such a twinkle in his eye. He loved to fish, ride horses, work and always enjoyed every holiday with his family.     

Survivors include his wife of 47 years: Elaine Cox of Lexington, Nebraska, Son: David Lee and wife Darla Cox of Overton, Nebraska Daughter: Karmajo and husband Eric Hill of Lexington, Nebraska, Two brothers: Gene and wife Mary Esther Cox of Stover, Missouri Jerry Cox of Livingston, Louisiana, Two sisters: Marsha Meyers of Wichita, Kansas Michelle and husband, Alan Conine of Wichita, Kansas, Seven grandchildren: Dallas Rae and husband Matt Zimbelman of Lexington, Nebraska; Aryka Leigh Hill and fiancé Alex VanHorn and his two children, Ethan & Evan of Memphis, Tennessee; Skylar Duane Hill and special friend Tanner Richards of Hayes Center, Nebraska; Ryan Lee Cox, Brady Alan Cox, Austin Samuel Cox and Sarah Ann Cox all of Overton, Nebraska.     

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Marv Belcher and sister-in-law, Nelda Cox.     

Funeral Services will be Monday, June 29, 2009, at 11:00 a. m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Pastor Megan Morrow officiating. The casket will be closed at the church.   

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 28, 2009, from 6-8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Robb Cemetery south of Lexington. Memorials to Tri-County Hospital Hospice, Grace Lutheran Church or Grace Lutheran Caring Cooks. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share your expressions of sympathy to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.