Cox, Don Ellis, loving husband, father, son, brother and patriot, entered into the glory of the Lord on January 14, 2012 after a long battle with renal failure. He was the son of V. Carl and Thelma Cox Eidemiller, and a native of Tipp City who settled in McLean, Virginia with his family after a distinguished career in service to the United States of America. He is survived by a loving family including his loving wife of 43 years, Joanne; sister and brother in-law, Frank and Darlene Jackson of Franklin Lakes, NJ; daughter and son in-law, LTC Chris and Donna Matherne, US Army; son and daughter in-law, CDR Carl and Kristen Cox, US Navy and four grandchildren. Mr. Cox graduated from The Ohio State University in 1957 with a BS in Business Administration. He completed graduate work at Johns Hopkins University, American University and The University of Maryland, earning an MS in Criminology from the University of Maryland. Mr. Cox was an instrument rated pilot who held an Airline Transport Pilot certification. He began his service to our Nation in the US Marine Corps in 1953. Transferring to the US Army and then to other paramilitary organizations, Mr. Cox served throughout Southeast Asia, the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East and in numerous other theaters across the globe over a 40+ year career. Ultimately, he served in every US conflict since 1953 including the Korean War, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom in addition to myriad other engagements and operations over a span of more than 50 years. Mr. Cox retired from federal service in 1992. He was recalled to duty subsequent to the attacks of 11, September, 2001 serving in various assignments in the Middle East until 2006. Visitation 10:00 to 11:00 AM, Friday January 20, 2012 at FRINGS AND BAYLIFF FUNERAL HOME 327 W. Main St. Tipp City, Ohio 45371. Service 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Tipp City.