Kenneth Earl Cox

Kenneth Earl Cox, age 81, of Stamford, Nebraska passed away at his home on June 29th, 2024. He was born on May 20, 1943, to Kenneth P. and Lucille (Knajdl) Cox in a farm house in rural Custer County. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1961 and went on to receive his teaching degree at Kearney State College in 1965. While at Kearney State he was active in the Rodeo Club and a champion saddle bronc rider. He later received his Master of Science degree at the University of Oklahoma in 1971. 

On January 14, 1966, he married Sheryl Ann Zelske in Kearney, Nebraska. To this union, three children were born: Craig Anton, Daniel Dean and Byron Wesley.

Ken taught science and coached sports at several schools during his 27-year teaching career, including Broken Bow, McCook, Cody-Kilgore, Beaver City, Oxford, and Southern Valley. He also took up farming during the latter part of his teaching career. He retired from teaching in 1999, and focused on farming and his hobbies.

Ken and Sheryl bought the Zelske farm east of Beaver City from her parents in 1992, and their current residence in Stamford. Ken continued to farm for many years after retiring from teaching, until his health gradually led him to move away from farming and more toward gardening. He was proud of his garden, especially his tomatoes. 

In 2002 Ken was diagnosed with acute leukemia and later underwent a stem cell transplant, thanks to a gracious German donor. Although it took a heavy toll on his health, he went on to enjoy another twenty-two years with his family. Ken especially loved attending his grandchildrens’ events and family times on the farm. He also loved the outdoors; attending rodeos, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed several years of elk hunting with his cousins in Colorado. He loved painting and wood crafting in his spare time.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Erwin. He is survived by his wife Sheryl, brother Michael (Kathe); sons Craig (Heather) of Nelson, NE, Daniel (Suzy) of Palatine IL, and Byron (Christina) of Kearney, NE; grandchildren Alexa, Rebecca, and Sawyer; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.