William B. Cox, age 85, died in Flandreau at the Flandreau Medical Center on Thursday, April 22, 2010. He was born October 17, 1924 in Sioux Falls, SD to the late Edward R. and Pearl M. (Varns) Cox.

Bill grew up around his Dad's construction company and watched it move from mule power to "horse power" over the years. Although he traveled with the company during his youth he spent most of his life in Flandreau. He graduated from Flandreau High School in 1942 and joined the US Army (air corps and infantry) on April 1, 1943 at the age of 18. He was bugler for Company B and kept his bugle, unfortunately for family and neighbors. He served in both the European and Pacific theaters of WWII, and was honorably discharged on February 21, 1946. Following his discharge he went to University in St. Louis to study engineering and meteorology. Always an avid reader he was particularly interested in the Civil War (although no one was too sure which side he was on).

He was a long time member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows as was his father before him. Bill served over the years as what he called Great Grand Poobah and in other local chapter offices. He was particularly proud to serve as a member and commander of the Kelley-Porter Post 70 American Legion Honor Guard and was also active for many years in American Legion baseball.

Bill is survived by his daughter and her husband, Debra and Lawrence, New Mexico and his son, Brian, Alaska. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother and sister, Clinton and Ruth.
Cremation and interment at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD have occurred per his request.

A celebration of his life will be held where he loved to gather with friends for coffee and a cinnamon donut. Please join us at the Flandreau Bakery on Friday, May 14th from 6 am until closing for coffee, great sweet rolls and reminiscing.