George "Bud" Elmer Cox was born on May 5, 1942 to George Elmer and Alla Dora Cox in Houston, Missouri. He was the fourth of five children born to the couple. Bud graduated from high school and worked part-time at Kraft foods in Springfield. Since his father was the guard there, he was only allowed to work part-time. He served in the United States Army. He began working in the building industry and became a master carpenter. As Cox Quality Construction, Bud built numerous houses over the years including several homes in Cherokee Estates and homes for two of his siblings. During his younger years, Bud was active in the Fox Trotter Association and spent numerous hours tending to the horses and attending horse shows. He was most proud of the horse named "Hustler" and was admired by anyone who came in contact with him through training horses, shows and the stables. Bud, or George as he later became known when his dad was gone, had many loves. Most important was his love of the Lord. He attended the First General Baptist Church early in his adult life and served as usher and worked with the youth. Later in life he was an active member of Harvest Church where he served as an elder, board member, head usher, greeter and teacher. He had a great passion for men's ministries and participated in several mission trips. In the past year he has also actively attended Cornerstone Church of God when spending time at the river home. George loved the outdoors and spent time fishing and hunting. He enjoyed time with the "guys" at the hunting cabin and time at the river fishing with Estelene or anyone who would join him. Whatever he did, George did with patience and a kind heart. Another love he had was his wife and family. George spent the last twenty years with the love of his life, Estelene. They enjoyed life to its fullest and loved to laugh together. George loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, as well as his sisters, brothers and their spouses. He always had a smile on his face and his rosy red cheeks will be remembered fondly as he read the Christmas story dressed as "Santa Claus" at the most recent family Christmas celebrations. George is survived by his wife Estelene of the home, sisters Nora Gunderson and her husband Gary, Betty Wieder and her husband Richard, brothers Harold Cox and wife Karen, Hubert Cox and his wife Betty, daughter Leslie Cox; Step-sons Mark Chastain, Michael Chastain and his wife Eva, grandchildren Johnathan Chastain and Joanna Chastain, and great-grandson Shaye Scott Chastain. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as his church family. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Harvest Church, 5420 N. Hwy H, Springfield under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday, October 5, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.