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Larry Cox Obituary - Hill Funeral Home

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A Celebration of Life is planned for Monday, June 25, 2018 at 7pm at Otterbein University. We will gather at Roush Hall (outdoors, weather permitting) to share memories, with a reception to follow. Roush Hall is located at 27 S. Grove Street in Westerville, just south of Towers Hall.

Larry saw the potential in every person and positive in every situation. He engaged people constantly, with a gentle, disarming charm. He could always get someone to smile, putting his perceptiveness on display in the service of forming a connection, no matter how brief. A true humanist, I try to emulate him, but too often come up short. My shortcomings get in the way. Larry seemed free of shortcomings. Though, I know he'd disagree. Still, I'd be satisfied to be more like him and to possess just a fraction of his many gifts.

James Brush

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Obituary for Larry Cox

Larry Cox 1938-2018

Larry Cox

10/17/1938 - 05/23/2018

Larry Eugene Cox, age 79, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, with his family beside him.

He was dearly loved by his wife Shirley (Collier) Cox, his son Brad (Janel Miller) Cox, daughter Kate (Harth Huffman) Cox, granddaughters Kristen (Logan) Smith and Zoe (Christian Bringelson) Koss, great-grandchildren Amaiyah and Isaiah Smith, and many other family members and friends.

Larry was born in Lucasville, Ohio on October 17, 1938 to John “Bill” and Arlie Ruth (Crummie) Cox. He grew up in Chillicothe, Zanesville, and on his grandparent’s farm in Adams County. He met his wife Shirley while attending Olivet Nazarene College and went on to do graduate work in psychology at Ohio State and the University of Cincinnati.

A professor at Otterbein University for 34 years, Larryinspired students with his passion for psychology and teaching. He was known for his caring support, counsel, and mentorship of both students and colleagues. One former student summed up what many have felt: “I really wish I could put into words how much he meant to me during my time at Otterbein. He was teacher, mentor, father, and friend all rolled into one warm, intelligent, funny package. “

A colleague described him as “a role model for compassion, empathy, passion, engagement, humor and insight.”

A lifelong learner, Larry continually explored new interests through books, relationships, and involvement with many groups and causes – both at Otterbein and in the broader community. After retirement, he could be found tending plants at Inniswood Metro Garden, serving on a committee, or practicing Tai Chi.

Larry was guided by an insatiable curiosity and a deep and evolving spirituality. He saw the good in all people and helped them to see it in themselves. He was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a nature lover and conservationist. He acted with the good of future generations in mind.

A debilitating stroke in 2009 limited Larry’s engagement in his wider community. Yet he remained the funny, kind, loving, and tenderhearted person we all knew and loved. He continued to bring great joy to those around him, including his family, friends, and amazing caregivers.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Monday, June 25, 2018 at 7pm at Otterbein University. We will gather at Roush Hall (outdoors, weather permitting) to share memories, with a reception to follow. Roush Hall is located at 27 S. Grove Street in Westerville, just south of Towers Hall. Contributions can be made to Inniswood Garden Society or to Otterbein’s Larry Cox Fund for Professional Development, which assists Otterbein psychology majors with funding for professional development opportunities.

Larry’s family would like to thank Grace Hospice for their recent care and support