Rickie Wayne Cox, 63, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Friday, July 28, 2017 peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving wife, family, and friends.  Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 3^rd at Lee’s Summit Christian Church, 800 NE Tudor Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO.

Rick was born June 4, 1954 the son of Jewel (Joedy) and Naomi (Mahan) Cox.  He enjoyed country living with his family, growing up on his grandfather Walter’s small farm in Greenwood.  Rick and his brothers Ronnie, Randy and Bruce benefited from small town life before the advent of computers.  It was typical to find him playing baseball in the pasture, swimming in the local creek, picking apples from their orchard, or engaged in some orneriness with his brothers and their cousin, Robert.  

Rick graduated from Lee’s Summit High School in 1972.  Cross Country, basketball and football were some of his extracurricular activities.  He was much loved by his classmates and forged many lifelong relationships.  He attended Longview Community College from 1972-74 and received an Associates in Science-Automotive Technology Degree.   One year later, Rick was on a special graduate list and was asked to work at the new AAA Diagnostic Clinic in KC by the manager of that business.  Rick enjoyed all facets of automotive including his ’55 Chevys. He enjoyed playing baseball, foosball, cards, fishing, hunting, archery, golf, boating, skiing, swimming and really anything around the water. In Rick’s career, he enjoyed mechanic and management positions in the automotive field. The last 20 plus years were spent as a Lead Automotive Technician for The US Postal Service at the Vehicle Maintenance Facility in KCMO with his dear friend, Orval Rush.  Some of Rick’s best sports memories were deer and turkey hunting and the days spent on the golf course at Unity Village in league play or just for fun with his favorite foursome. 

Rick married Elizabeth O’Brien in 1975 and later divorced. From this union two daughters were born, Angela and Jennifer.  A favorite memory of his daughter, Jenny, was their annual trip to the Country Club Plaza at Christmas time to see the lights.  Dad would always have to wake her up when she and her sister, Angie, fell asleep on the drive there.

As you know, every love story is beautiful, but Rick and Hazelann’s is a true fairytale. They met on a Caribbean cruise in February 1984.   Rick was a man of few words. When he returned home and was asked by his friend, Orval, “how was your vacation” his response was only three words, “I’ve met someone”.  From that moment on, their amazing journey began!  Soon after, Rick moved to Williston, North Dakota to pursue his life with Hazelann and her family, the Barkie’s.  They were married September 26, 1987.   He enjoyed spending summers with his daughters Angie and Jenny.  He also enjoyed traveling with Hazelann, whether it was flying, driving, or riding their Gold Wing motorcycle.  They visited many places. One of Rick’s favorite vacation spots was on a sandy beach enjoying the warm sunshine. 

He touched many lives with his quiet demeanor and gentle spirit.  Rick was a very loving and caring man and will be missed by many.  

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Hazelann (Barkie); daughters, Angela (Michael) Anastos; and six grandchildren, Jennifer (Keith) Miller; brothers Ron and Randy (Sharon); nephews, Jason and Joshua; cousins; uncles; and all that loved him.  Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Bruce; his father, Jewel; and his mother, Naomi.

Arrangements:  Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence MO   816-796-8600