Graveside service with military honors has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Johnson Cemetery, Johnson, NE.
Leland J. Cox was born to Charles and Mildred Cox on November 13, 1952, in Auburn, NE. He passed from this life on January 10, 2023, while recuperating from an illness at the Sutherland Care Center.
Leland grew up on a farm outside of Johnson, NE, with his two older sisters and graduated from high school in 1971. While in school he was involved in football, track, band and theater. He traveled with the band "We Three" playing drums for several years, then joined the Army in 1974.
After his discharge in 1977 he returned home to Johnson for a few years then moved to Sutherland, NE where he was employed by NPPD for over 30 years.
Leland married Gayla Richards on June 10, 2012, at son Joshua's country home. The couple lived in the Sandhills where Lee enjoyed team roping, working with his horses, playing drums again, and spending time with his neighbors and family. He retired in 2018 and moved to Brock, NE; then to be closer to kids and grandkids, moved to Wilsonville, NE.
Leland was a devoted father and grandpa who loved playing music and watching his boys rodeo and the grandkids participate in all their different activities. He had a lifelong love of bird hunting that started when he was a child hunting with his father. Lee had hunting dogs most of his life and loved camping on the Platte River in Wyoming. A highlight of his life was when, as a sanctioned umpire, he was selected to officiate the 12 and Under National Softball Championships at Shawnee, KS.
Lee was a very skilled and talented man. He could make anything out of wood, and he made jewelry boxes (each one unique) for all seven of his granddaughters when they turned 12. As a wine maker, he experimented with various fruits to see what made the best wine and then shared it with family and friends.
Leland was a man who loved life. He was a wonderful husband and friend who left us all too soon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mildred, and sister, Lavon Huneke.
Leland is survived by his loving wife, Gayla; sons, Joshua (Jennifer) Cox of North Platte, NE and Jake Cox of Sutherland, NE; stepsons, Derek Richards of Powell, TN, and Darren (Aileen) Richards of Vona, CO; his sister, Linda (Darrell) Hopper of Nemaha, NE; brother-in-law, Leonard Huneke of Rapid City, SD; seven granddaughters who adored their grandpa and a grandson who loved spending time with him; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials can be made to American Legion Post #330, Johnson, NE. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, NE is assisting with arrangements.