Steve A. Cox, 88, of Albany, passed away peacefully at the Evergreen Hospice House after a short illness.

Steve was the youngest son of Roy and Alzie (Dorgan) Cox. He was born in Albany and grew up working on the family farm with his parents and many siblings. Steve was a fourth generation descendent of one of the original Linn County homesteaders, Lewis Cox. Steve graduated from Albany High School in 1952. He played baseball and was a member of the Bulldog State Championship team of 1952. Steve was also very active in FFA and held leadership positions in that club.

Steve joined the Army and graduated from Airborne School, Ft. Benning GA in 1953. He spent part of his military service stationed in Turkey. After serving 8 years of active and inactive duty, he was honorably discharged in 1961.

Steve married Roberta L. Colbert Ellis on June 15, 1957 in Eureka, California. Steve and Roberta worked together farming property in the Scio area while bringing up their family. Steve also owned and operated a farm service business “topping” sweet corn for many local farmers, using custom made tractors his brothers built and he improved on. In his retirement, he continued to enjoy growing a vegetable garden and fruit orchard. Peaches were his favorite to eat and share with family and friends. Listening to Beaver baseball and Rush Limbaugh on the radio were his favorite pastimes.

Steve was preceded by his parents, Roy A. and Alzie G Cox; his beloved wife of 64 years, Roberta L. and his son, Matthew Emerson Cox. Sisters, Gertrude and Helen; brothers, John “Andy”, Carroll “Toad”, Raymond “Mike”, Gilbert “Jiggs”, Richard “Dick” and Robert “Bob”.

Steve will be profoundly missed by his children, Wilson (Diana) Cox, Kathy (Jim) Jantz, Stephanie (Kevin) Page, Rachel (Art) Bowcock, Steven (Kathy) Cox and Cindy (Donald) Gesner. Also, his brother and sister-in-law, Barney and Katherine Cox and sister-in-law Helen (Dick) Cox. Also survived by 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

There will be a Graveside Service February 1st, 2:00 PM at Santiam Central Cemetery, 36385 Harber Rd NE, Albany, OR 97322, between Albany and Lebanon.