Melvin Russell Cox, Jr., 67, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 12, 2015.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Janet K. Cox; stepson Robert Friend of Pekin, Ill.; brother Merl (Brenda) Cox of Gainesville, Missort; niece Kayla Cox and nephew Jason Cox of Blairstown, Mo.
Cox was born in Joplin, Mo., to the late Melvin and Nadiene Cox. He spent his early years in California and Kansas before joining the US Marine Corps while still in high school, which he completed while in the service.
He served two tours in Vietnam from Oct. 6, 1964 to Jan. 30, 1969. During his second tour he was severely wounded and thus awarded a Purple Heart. He was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal and The Presidential Unit Citation.
After his time in the service, Cox became the owner and operator of a mobile home park from which he eventually retired. He and his wife Janet had been seasonal residents of Vero Beach for many years, sharing time at their home in Washington, Ill., before settling in Vero Beach just months ago.
He was of the Baptist faith, and a member of the American Legion and Moose Lodge. Cox enjoyed hunting pheasant and quail as well as time fishing and playing BINGO with his wife Janet. Together they travelled throughout North and Central America.
No services are planned at this time.
Strunk Funeral Home of Vero Beach is entrusted with arrangements.