Jesse A. Cox, 68, Neosho, died on Saturday, July 5, 2008, at Freeman Neosho ER, following a sudden illness. 

Jesse was born Feb. 23, 1940 in Neosho, the son of Jesse W. and Genoa (Payton) Cox and was a lifelong area resident. He served in the Army National Guard and worked as an engine inspector for Rocketdyne, Teledyne, Saberliner and Premier Turbines. He was a member of the Aerospace Union, Missouri and Arkansas State Champ of Muzzle Loading Association, loved to build black powder rifles, was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, did wood carvings and wildlife watercolor paintings. 

Jesse married Loie Stiehm on June 20, 1997, and she survives.  Additional survivors include two sons, Brandon Cox and wife, Kelly, Stella, Brian Cox, Joplin; one daughter, Michelle Wilkerson and husband, Clark, Bella Vista, Ark.; one step-son, Joshua Stosic, Santa Monica, Calif.; one step-daughter, Alisha Hanley and husband, Ken, Bellgrade, Mont.; two sisters, Bonnie Linder and husband, Dean, Newtonia, and Patricia Lee, Pawnee Rock, Kan.; and 19 grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Melanie L. Logston on Feb. 21, 2008 and a sister, Connie Brazeel.  Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Dr. Jerry Seigel will officiate and burial will follow in the Gibson Cemetery. Friends may call at the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. today and the family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. 

Contributions in memory of Jesse may be made to the American Heart Association, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, 64850.

Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho.