Steven E. Cox
September 01, 2014
Steven Earle Cox, 41, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2014. Visitation will be held Friday, September 5, 2014 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 6 at 3:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines.
Steve served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He gained his degree from California State University Fullerton and spent most of his career in the insurance industry at Nationwide. Steve was active in the local city government serving on the city council and was very involved in his church service with Boy Scouts and other callings.
Steve experienced supreme triumphs but also incomprehensive suffering. He greeted every challenge of his life journey with resilience, determination and ingenuity with a fierce will to survive and prevail. Steve had a tremendous ability to always make people feel loved and had a tenacious desire for work.
Steve was fortunate. He was born into a big family that welcomed him with open arms and cherished acceptance. From the beginning, he was surrounded by a large group of people who loved him. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles—each gave some unique part of themselves and all shared in the responsibility of caring for him. The importance of family was instilled in Steve when he was young and it served him well throughout his life.
Steve was very young when he moved to Iowa—a place he called home for most of his life. He had a typical upbringing—friends, sports, school, etc. His genuine personality, humor and confidence were just a few of his endearing qualities and people were drawn to him. He never lacked for friends. His smile was contagious and you couldn’t help but laugh when he laughed (even if you weren’t quite sure what was so funny). That gift, humor, was a characteristic he received from his Gandpa Cox (Papa). From Grandma Grace, he inherited a loving and caring personality and the confidence that comes from knowing who he was and staying true to his beliefs. From his mother, he profited from the example of hard work and steadfastness.
Despite living a great distance from his extended family, Steve was always included and involved. Weekly phone conversations kept him close to his grandparents and, whenever possible, he was able to spend time re-connecting with those who lived out-of-state. Some of his fondest memories were the summers he spent in Kanab with Papa and Grandma Grace. During those times, he was free to laugh and play with his cousins. His days were filled with riding motorcycles, jumping on the trampoline and getting so much red, southern Utah dirt on him that Grandma Grace had to spray him off with a water hose. Some of Steve’s greatest memories of youth centered around his time in Kanab with his family and made a lasting impact during his formative years. These experiences served him well later in life and played a pivotal role in shaping his personality and character. He cherished, respected and honored the importance of the family unit and remained true to the people who helped raise him. He honored the Cox name through his commitment to his wife and children and his legacy will continue for many generations to follow.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Carrie Cox; and two beautiful daughters, Emilie and Madelyn Cox; his mother, Dixie (Dick) Grieme; sister, Ashlee (Danny) VanSyoc; the Arzani family, Dave and Kathy and their children Bryan, Marc, Neil and Kristen and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to our close friends and family, the Unity Point-At-Home Care nurses and the Taylor House Hospice center for their support in his final days.
Memorial contributions may be made at https://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/steve-cox-memorial-fund/228572. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Vivian Jack
09/22/2014
Cox Family I am so sorry for your loss. I just found out today of Steve's passing. I first knew him when he worked with the Powersports Department. Such a fun and easy going man, with a huge smile that always made you smile. He will be greatly missed but also taught us a lesson.... smile like there is no tomorrow. Thinking of your family during this time and knowing that his daughters will remember him forever.
Katie Hammitt
09/16/2014
Cox, Ryan Loes and I were the three amigo ASMs - Associate Sales Managers. It was a brand new program and there was no one better to navigate the waters with than those two. Steve got me through tough days and was a constant support system - always believing in me more than I believed in myself. Kind, funny and compassionate - and always, always, putting his family first. A man easy to admire and impossible not to adore. His beautiful wife and adorable little girls are in my constant prayers. I'll miss you Coxy. Thinking of your family during this difficult time. Love, Slammitt/Hammy.
Angela Boylen
09/09/2014
My deepest sympathies to Steve's adorable daughters, lovely wife, and all the family and friends Steve left behind. I too worked with Steve in Powersports with Nationwide. He was my first supervisor with the company and an amazingly caring, compassionate, helpful delight to work with. He leaves behind him much love and touched many people in such a positive way. May he continue to guide his loved ones from Heaven.
Cheri Parton
09/05/2014
My condolences to all of Steve's family- immediate and extended. So sorry to hear of his passing. I have many fond memories of Steve. I enjoyed having him as a student at Desoto. He was a delightful young man.
Dale Burgess
09/05/2014
I met Steve when I was his Peer mentor when he started with Allied. We quickly became good friends, always sharing jokes. Although I lost touch with him after he left the department, I still consider him a friend. My condolences to the family.
Adam Ranes
09/04/2014
Although Steve and I didn't meet until 2012, he had the ability to make you feel like you've been friends for years. He was genuine, caring, humble, and down right hilarious. Steve will be missed. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family.
Josh and Courtney Stubblefield
09/04/2014
We love you all and pray for the Spirit to be with you daily to bring you peace and comfort. You are wonderful Steve and will be missed!
Carol Meisinger
09/04/2014
Steve and I worked in Powersports at Nationwide for several years. I just found out he was sick and was so shocked. My condolences to his family. May God smile down on you in this time of need.
??The Bounds Family??
09/04/2014
??Elder Cox!!
But Steve it is.... We Love you so!!
Carrie our Love & Heart Breaks For you @ this time... But through the Atonement we know The Lords Plan & that brings us peace.
It will take some time.. Please Give yourself that time.... It's OKAY ??
Love your way
Larry & Laura
Lonya
Lesha
Larin
Lindsy
Logan
And all the splices ??
Jody Bolluyt
09/04/2014
Dear Cox Family, You and Steve are in my thoughts as he crosses the threshold. He had the great ability to lift the spirits of those around him. He will be missed and remembered.
Rachelle (Hanes) La Mar
09/04/2014
Steve was one of the first people I met when I started at Nationwide in Commercial Services. I later had the pleasure of working with him in Powersports. Whenever I had a question, he was there to answer it - no matter what he was doing. He was always the one to have a smile on his face but quick to make a joke to make someone else smile too. He was the sort of fierce individual who could always be counted on stand with you on an issue but speak his mind when he did not agree. I feel honored to have known him. Sending love, prayers and hope from my family to yours.
Amber Caudle
09/04/2014
Cox family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Steve for several years in powersports at Nationwide and saw him occasionally over the years coming in to work or around the office...and to get some of those awesome Girl Scout cookies from the kids. He was such a great man and had so much love for his family. And through that love, you have great memories to cherish and reminisce on.
Christine (York) Meggison
09/04/2014
Steve could always be counted on for a smile and my prayer is that you would feel the smile of God during this time. Zeph 3:17 - "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Tracy Sharp
09/04/2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cox family. Steve always had a pleasant disposition and a smile on his face whenever he came to Columbus. I am thankful that the Lord allowed me to be previewed to such a wonderful person with a zealous soul.
Becky Bailey
09/04/2014
I first met Steve when I was assisting in his training class 10 years ago. He always had people smiling and laughing. His greatest joy was always his family especially his wife and daughter-only one at that time. Then I worked with him during the development of the Farm Service Center and got to know him even better. He was a very caring person. Always wanting to provide for his family and to help anyone that he possibly could. He was so excited to come back to FSC and show off his newest little daughter when she was born. I have already been praying for the family through his illness and will continue to do so. He will truly be missed.