Elton Thomas "ET" Cox

Elton Thomas Charles Cox, 89, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, in Teague, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM both being held on Saturday, October 17, 2026. 

Elton was born April 3, 1937, in Shattuck, Oklahoma. One of six children, he was the last surviving sibling, having lived nearly 89½ years. He later moved to Texas, where he met the love of his life, Mary Louise Barlow, in Channelview. Together, they settled there, made a home and raised their family, building a life filled with love and commitment.

He was the devoted husband of Mary Barlow Cox, with whom he shared an extraordinary marriage of 64 years, 10 months and 25 days...a lifetime of devotion, partnership and love. Through the good times and the difficult times, they were always there for each other, showing their children the enduring value of love and commitment. Elton survived his beloved bride by 165 days, carrying a broken heart and a love that never wavered.

He is survived by his children: LoRay and Rhonda Cox of Elgin, Texas; Glenn and Ruth Cox of Leakey, Texas; and Annette and Donny Hearn of Crosby, Texas; as well as his brother-in-law Rex and Brenda Barlow of Fairfield, Texas.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Christian LoRay Cox, Cassi Danielle Rogers, Cory Glenn Cox, Casey Ryan Cox, Bradley Allen Hearn and Alyssa, Austin Thomas Hearn and Caroline, Stetson Horne and Shylo, and Tara and Donald Brooks, along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Elton was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary; his parents, Vern Aaron Cox and Edith Jewel Coffman; and his siblings and their spouses, Aaron Cox and Dana, Bobby Cox, Cody Cox and Nell, Edith Tullar and Pappy, and Avon Childers and Loyd.

Elton enjoyed sharing stories of his early life with his children. Through his memories of picking cotton alongside his father and siblings, he taught them the value of hard work and the importance of providing for a family. He dedicated many years of his career to the St. Clair businesses, working in asphalt paving and maintaining and repairing vehicles, tractors and construction equipment. Elton took great pride in his work, and it always showed.

Elton enjoyed going to car shows and was a self-proclaimed expert on older vehicles...with the knowledge to back it up. Show him a picture of a vintage car or truck, or even just part of one, and he could tell you its year, make and model. He also loved watching old westerns and reading western books, revisiting his favorites over and over with the same enjoyment as if each time were the very first.

Elton adored all his granddogs. Affectionately known as “The Dog Whisperer,” he seemed to command their respect without even trying. In his presence, they all seemed to bow to him...a bond that brought joy and laughter to his family.

Elton loved traveling across the United States in his pickup truck, pulling his travel trailer with his family along for the adventure! He made sure his children experienced the beauty of the country, the joy of KOA Campgrounds, the outdoors and hunting and the many memorable trips to Colorado that became family favorites. And he never, ever met a stranger!

Elton instilled in his children a deep appreciation for family and the importance of being there for one another. Through his unwavering love for their mother, he showed them what it meant to remain committed, to face life’s challenges together and to cherish the life they shared.

Above all, Elton was a family man. He was a loving and faithful husband, a devoted father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a caring brother, uncle and friend. He loved his son-in-law and daughters-in-law as his own children and welcomed many of his children’s friends into that same circle of love. His family never had to question how much they meant to him or how proud he was of them. He loved them unconditionally, and that love will remain a lasting part of their lives. To know Elton “ET” was to love him.

Elton lived a full and meaningful life. While his family mourns his loss deeply, they find comfort in knowing he has been reunited with his beloved Mary and those who went before him, surely welcomed with open arms, hugs and kisses at Heaven’s door.

He will be missed every single day and forever held in the hearts of those who love him.