Joseph Cox

Joseph D. Cox, 89, died on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. He was born on October 8, 1929, at Rivera, California, to Allen and Mary Cox. He graduated from Santa Cruz High School.

Joe married Verna Snyder on May 29, 1949, at Santa Cruz, two weeks before graduation, as there was a family reunion gathering. They first met in Scott’s Valley, California in the seventh grade and quickly became inseparable. They raised their family between Scott’s Valley and Mariposa.

He was a master carpenter in Santa Cruz. While living in Mariposa, Joe continued to work for Bogard Construction. He commuted to Santa Cruz Monday through Friday until his retirement in 1989.

Joe and Verna made their final move to Libby in the winter of 1995, where they spent the next 10 years together. They enjoyed the many seasons of Montana. Verna passed away in 2005, and Joe continued to find the beauty in his world through his family and friends.

Joe was in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Harbor Patrol at Santa Cruz during the late 1960s through 1970s. He was honored for his noble services on several occasions on-and-off the water in the community.

Joe enjoyed outdoor activities, fishing on the river or local lakes, and shooting black powder up at Fawn Creek. He also enjoyed gardening and going on drives to look at wildlife.

His children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild were truly his pride and joy.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Verna in 2005, and a daughter Jo “Jody” Murray in 2003.

Survivors include his daughter, Dee Teske (Brent) of Libby; and son Steven Cox (Diane) of Libby; numerous loving and wonderful grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a great-great-grandchild.

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.