Gaylen Cox

Funeral services for Gaylen Dewaine Cox was held at the Yuma United Methodist Church on August 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Jaime Nieves officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Yuma Cemetery.  Gaylen peacefully left this earth on July 28, 2016 with family by his side.

Gaylen's humerous and kind ways came naturally as he was born to Glenn and Lola Martz Cox at their home near Yuma, Colorado on December 14, 1933.  Gaylen and his older sister, Betty Jo, grew up together on the family farm.  They enjoyed a close and loving relationship.

Gaylen had three children from a previous marriage: Leesa, Vickie and Kyle. On June 3, 1972 he married Patsy Newland and they had one daughter, Hollie.  Throughout their marriage Gaylen and Patsy enjoyed gardening, motorcyle rides, watching the Denver Broncos, attending car shows, a trip to the Grand Canyon in record time, and their miniature Schnauzer Dudley. He enjoyed a trip to Hawaii in 2000 where he got to finally visit Pearl Harbor. He had a sweet tooth that was always satisfied with Patsy's delicious pies and cakes.

Early in his life, he worked at Hoch Lumber, construction with Milt Chrismer and farming.  He eventually became a truck driver which was what he loved to do.  He owned a truck with Dick Stallings, eventually drove for Norman and Sipple and his truck driving days ended with Franson Farms.  He gained many life long friendships and had the joy of driving trucks with his son Kyle for a short time. Tonka Toy never grew tired of telling truck driving stories. 

He was a man that had many hobbies throughout his life.  He enjoyed stock car racing and according to him, he was pretty good.  He hunted arrowheads and had a collection on display at home.  Motorcycles played a big part in his life as he was a member of a motorcyle club, loved watching his son do motor cross and had a motorcyle in the garage much of the time.  Flying model airplanes was something he enjoyed off and on starting in the late 50's. He sometimes got so nervous before flying his airplane that he would throw up. He finally decided it wasn't worth it and stopped flying around 2001. He also enjoyed classic cars and Elk hunting. In the last eight years he became a Wray Eagles fan. His Yuma friends gave him a hard time, but he still proudly wore purple. His youngest grandkids, Cade and Kylin, were very fortunate to have their Pa attend countless swim meets, dance recitals, band concerts, volleyball, basketball and football games and wrestling tournaments.  He was really looking forward to their sports this coming school year.  

Immediate family preceeding in death: son Kyle Cox; parents Glenn and Lola Cox; and sister Betty Jo Wilson; and brother-in-law Robert Wilson.

Gaylen is survived by his wife Patsy of 44 years and their daughter Hollie and husband Matt Hillman and grandchildren  Cade and Kylin. Daughter Leesa and husband Jamie Gutierrez; grandson Jamie and wife Aja Gutierrez and great grandchildren Talan and Mailey; grandson Bryson and wife Erin Gutierrez. Daugther Vickie Blair; granddaugher Tiffany Blair and great grandsons Patrick and Jesse; grandson Cameron Blair and great grandson Lincoln.  Nephews: Evan, Neal and Kris Wilson and families, and a host of other relatives and friends. 

"Unc" as he was called by his three nephews, fondly share memories of his humor, jokes and oneriness. His humor and laugh will be missed.