St. George – Rulon Walter Cox, 87, passed away March 19, 2022, peacefully in his home. Walt, as everyone affectionately called him, was born in St. George to Rulon "Boots" Cox and Ida May Iverson on February 12, 1935. He grew up in St. George and was amazed at how much his little hometown of Dixie has been changed. At a young age, Walt learned the value of hard work as he was raised on a dairy farm and helped his dad daily with all the dairy chores. Walt was very intelligent and handy, and his father relied on him a great deal to fix the farm equipment, cut and bale hay and milk the cows. Later, after graduating from Dixie High School, he married his high school sweetheart, "the love of his life," "the most beautiful girl in the world," Jeanenne Jones in the St. George Temple on June 5, 1953. After being married two years, he was called to serve a full-time two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New England States Mission. Upon returning home, he served in the Utah National Guard and then went on to further his education to become a high school teacher.

He was an educator in the WCSD for 33 years including two years at Woodward Junior High School, 19 years at Dixie High School, and 12 years at Pine View High School. He also taught night classes for 25 years at Dixie College in the GED program and several classes at Millcreek High School. Walt received his Doctorate Degree to work in school administration but never pursued that avenue because his passion was being in the classroom teaching students Math and Science. He felt he could have a bigger impact for good in the classroom and he truly touched the lives of countless young people in the community. Walt was a valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many capacities including Bishop, Scout Master (for at least 15 years), Director of the Family History Center for five years and served a mission with his sweetheart in the Philippines, Manilla Mission. Most recently he served alongside his wife as Stake Eagle Scout Coordinator and helped 100+ young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, many of which specifically requested them as their mentor. Walt was a prime example of an "athletic supporter" attending every grandchild's game whenever possible.

Those who knew him were probably on the receiving end of a good prank and maybe even received one of the thousands of little wooden cars he built with love. His joys in life were sitting by his wife's side, having his family around him, spending time in Pine Valley, treating someone to a nice dinner, and serving others however possible.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings: Mervyn, DeLoa and MaryBeth. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jeanenne; brother, Wendell (Pam) Cox; four children: Ronalee (Kent) Black, Randy (Mandy), Jill (Jody) McDonald, and Tiffany (Travis) Graff; nephew, Brent (Holly) Keenan; 15 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and one great, great grandchild.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to SunTree Home Health & Hospice, his primary nurse, Paula Vu, along with the many others involved in his care.

Walt will be deeply missed, but we are all better people because of him and his example. Don't be sad he has left. Be happy he was here!

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 10:00 am at the St. George East Stake Center located at 449 South 300 East, St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Metcalf Mortuary from 6:00-8:00 pm and again at the St. George East Stake Center from 8:30-9:30 am.

Interment will be in the St. George Cemetery located at 700 East Tabernacle, St. George, Utah.

Livestreaming of the services will be available with the following link: http://bit.ly/stakecenter

Walter Cox Funeral Service Program