Gerald Leon Cox, age 84, passed away of Myelofibrosis on October 1, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky, surrounded by his loving family. He was merely two days shy of his 85th birthday. Gerald was born on October 3, 1940, in Worthington, Indiana, to Walter Cox and Mary Wilma (Dilley) Cox.

Following his childhood in Green County, Indiana, Gerald married his beloved wife, Joanna Kay (Hauser) Cox. Together with their daughters, they built a beautiful life together, which flourished in Central Kentucky. They were married for over 65 years, sharing countless experiences while traveling in all 50 states and Canada.

Gerald graduated from Lane Technical Institute with a degree in Drafting. Following his education, Gerald began a long and fulfilling career as a Draftsman and Manufacturing Engineer. In 1962, Gerald was hired by IBM of Lexington, KY. Gerald contributed to the legacy of IBM until he was fortunate enough to take early retirement in 1992.

Gerald was a man who embraced both adventure and the simple joys of life. He loved fishing, hunting, building, repairing, restoring and yard work. He prided himself on meticulously planning a project and bringing it to fruition.
Gerald was always there for family and friends, pitching in to help wherever needed. In later years, his greatest joy came from the time he spent playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and watching them grow. Thoughtful, loving, and consistent, Gerald was known as the best advice-giver, always ready with a steady presence and wise words of encouragement.

Gerald is survived by his devoted wife, Joanna Kay Cox; his daughters, Sherri (Tom) Stumph, Cindy (Leon) Roberson, and Kathy Clark; his cherished grandchildren, Michelle (Ryan) Rawls, Chelsea (Jon) Mueller, Kayla (Charles) O'Byrne, Julia (Jamie) Kyriakakos, Aubrey (Tim) Lawson, Sarah (Logan) Ruperto, and Mariah Clark. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren, Corinne Lawson, Leonis Mueller, Maverick Lawson, and Theodore Kyriakakos (arriving soon). Additional surviving family members include sister-in-law, Betty Cox; brother-in-law, Terry (Rosie) Hauser; nephew, Kenny (Elaine) Cox; and cousin, Mark (Beth) Dilley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Dexter Cox, and Mary Wilma (Dilley) Cox, his brother, Bobby Cox, and a large extended family of loved ones.
Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Dilley, Tom Stumph, Ryan Rawls, Leon Roberson, Jon Mueller, Tim Lawson, and Charles O'Byrne. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Cox, Dallas Bradley, Bill Freeman, and Eddie Whitt.

Public visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Jenkins Funeral Home in Bloomfield, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. David Ball. Burial will follow at Solsberry Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Samaritan's Purse, or Gideons International.

While Gerald will be deeply missed, the love, lessons, and impact he leaves behind will ripple through generations of family and friends.