William Preston (Bill) Cox

William Preston (Bill) Cox (Jan. 12, 1943 – Jun 21, 2021)Bill was born a special person. He was especially challenged in his early years as he struggled to acquire those abilities by which people tend to “measure” children. But Bill had his own measuring stick. Bill could only be truly evaluated by his own standards, not those applied to ordinary people. Bill was blessed to remain childlike throughout his life. His smile and wit could bring joy to those around him. His laugh was infectious.Bill lived at home with his parents until his father’s passing in 1972. He continued on with just his mom until she remarried in 1978. He then lived in a variety of group homes until he found his last and longest term home in Carmel, Indiana with Indiana Mentor.Bill achieved a remarkable degree of independence with the assistance of his group home staff but remained in that environment for the rest of his life.Bill didn’t worry about those things that trouble most of us in daily life. Bill, of course, had worries and concerns of his own but he always enjoyed the security of his environs and the people around him. He didn’t have to worry about having a roof over his head or where his next meal was coming from. Through the years, Bill got to attend the Indiana State Fair several times. He attended several Indianapolis 500 qualifications. While living with just his Mom, he participated in Special Olympics and bowled in a league. More recently, he was thrilled by a flight on a B17 bomber from WWII. But his greatest joy was going to visit his relatives. While returning home, he’d often say “I had a good time”.Bill always enjoyed a good home cooked meal but his favorite food on the road was “two hamburgers and a French fry”. Bill is survived by his brother Michael Cox, cousins Jane Raymer and Ruth Ann Holt, and his many group home friends.He was preceded in death by his mother Ruby Cox, father William (Howard) Cox and his cousins Dale Doty and Larry Dollens.Bill will be missed.

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