Vernon Leroy Cox, 92, of Columbus, passed away on Saturday June 11, 2022 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Born on January 16, 1930 in Bartholomew County, Vernon was the son of Edward and Lucy Mae Nulton Cox. He married Dorothy Finke on November 1, 1959.

Vernon was employed as a tool and die maker at Hamilton Cosco for 47 years.

He was a member of First Christian Church of Columbus. He had been a volunteer fireman in Hartsville and a former member of Hartsville Masonic Lodge.

Vernon enjoyed fishing, gardening, arrowhead hunting, and was an avid bird watcher. He loved watching college basketball and football. Vernon made sure to attend all of the local fish frys and church dinners. He also enjoyed Sunday drives, going on vacations, spending time with his family, and watching his grandchildren play ball. Vernon had two family cats, Thumper and Boots, that he loved.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of Columbus; children, Devona Reynolds of Shelbyville, Gordon (Carol) Cox of Waldron, Elly (Mark) Rutan of Columbus, and Diane (Tim) Croddy of Hope; grandchildren, Saul (Jeni) Black, Melanie Black, Jared (Amy) Rutan, Josey (fiancé, Kyle) Rutan, Summer Croddy, Riley Croddy, and Sabrina (Jay) Jolly; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Throop and Henry Cox; and sisters, Imogene Hornback, Isabella Spurling, and Norma Cox.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 15 at 11 a.m. at Norman Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Kilps officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana at 2626 17 ^th Street Columbus, IN 47201.