Ricky Dean Cox; 71, of Alton, IL, passed away on April 27, 2025 at his home.
He was born on May 17, 1953 in Wood River, IL to the late Harold and Sadie (Thornsbury) Cox.
Ricky married Kathy Compton on November 2, 1973 in Alton, IL. They shared 51 years of life, love and so much laughter and were the foundation of a large family that learned through their example what it means to love big.
Ricky served in the United States Army from 1973-1975 as an armor and was honorably discharged. He then continued his service to the community as a career paramedic from 1978-2009, working with many special friends and colleagues at Medco, Christian Hospital and Alton Memorial Hospital. Ricky prided himself on being Paramedic Number 4 and helped pioneer the field of paramedicine in the metro-east region. He saved many lives and helped countless patients in their greatest time of need with skill, precision, empathy and courage. His legacy continues to live on in all the lives he touched throughout his career in EMS.
Ricky was a music man, having been taught to play guitar by his dad at an early age. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing in a band with his lifelong buddies, Kenny, John and Marty. In his retirement, he rekindled his passion for music and oftentimes could be found in a jam session with those same lifelong buddies whose friendships he cherished his whole life.
Ricky was also an avid sports fan who very rarely missed a Cardinals game. He loved Illini basketball and enjoyed boring his wife with every stat for every player and every game all season long.
In the 80’s, Ricky and Kathy helped run the Alton Area Boy’s Tackle Football Association, a pee wee football organization. Ricky was passionate about football and mentoring and coaching young athletes in the sport he, himself, loved to play. Coach Cox was proud of every team and athlete he coached, including his sons. He even convinced his daughter to put down the pom poms and trade them for a helmet and pads.
Ricky was known for his baby blue eyes, his fast talking, infectious laugh, sense of humor, love for all things Halloween, Christmas and 4th of July fireworks, and, of course, his smile.
However, what Ricky was most known for was being a family man. Ricky adored Kathy, who was the love of his life and his partner in life. Ricky took immeasurable pride in his four children and was the most present, engaged, motivating, inspiring, funny and loving father his kids could have ever asked for. From Saturday morning cartoon watching, foosball in the basement, games of “Knock-Knock” and countless other made-up games and sports, there was never a dull moment in the Cox house. Ricky spent hours upon hours playing 2-hand touch football in the street and basketball in the back yard with his kids and all the neighborhood kids. He encouraged his children both academically and athletically every step of the way and the coffee stains on EVERY single award or certificate his children earned are sweet reminders that he stared at each award with such pride while sipping his coffee. He was extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments and sang their praises far and wide for everyone to hear.
Ricky was also very proud of his 9 grandchildren and he loved them deeply. He was the very best “Paw Paw” who made sure that each Christmas stocking was over-filled and never missed a soccer game, volleyball match or football game. His sense of humor, love of horror movies and sports and his ability to live life to its fullest are reflected in his grandchildren.
Ricky will be missed dearly by all who knew him and his memory will forever live on through those who loved him and who live their life by his example, unapologetically with humor and humility.
Ricky is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy; his children, Shane (Kelly) Cox of Jerseyville, IL, Marc (Hsin) Cox of El Paso, TX, Tori (Jason) Walls of St. Charles, MO and Kyle Cox of Gilbert, AZ; grandchildren, MaKayla Cox, Calista Morais, Kenedy Cox, Kylyn Cox, Zander Cox, Tyler Cox, Eli Walls, Greyson Cox and Westin Cox; his sister, Marlene Schneider; sister-in-law, Barbara Grant; a “second daughter” Jill Ayres, nieces, cousins, extended family, friends, neighbors and his beloved dogs, Baylee and Mia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Ileen Compton, brothers-in-law Paul Schneider and Jim Grant, and a grandson, Reilly Cox.
Ricky’s final gift was as a tissue donor.
Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on May 1, 2025 at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home, Godfrey, Illinois.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on May 2, 2025 at Elias, Kallal, & Schaaf Funeral Home, Godfrey, Illinois.
Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park, Godfrey, IL. Alton VFW Post 1308 will be conducting military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis or Disabled American Veterans
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
