Merle H. Cox, 71, of Evansdale and formerly of St. Charles, MN, died at home Thursday, April 17, 2008 of pancreatic cancer.

He was born on March 16, 1937 in Winona, Minnesota, son of Harry and Margaret Antone Cox. Merle graduated from St. Charles High School.

He married Mary Goldsmith on November 24, 2007 in Waterloo.

He drove semi for Anderson Trucking for several years and then was manager at Sandee’s Ltd., retiring in 2005. After his retirement he sold Watkins Products.

He served in the Air Force during the Viet Nam War.

He was a member of Waterloo Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #764 and Evansdale Amvet Post #31.

Survivors: Wife Mary Cox, Evansdale, IA, daughter Merla (Mike) Peters, Rosemont, MN, daughter Melissa Widdle, Dewar, IA, Son Mark (Jamie) Cox, Waterloo, IA, Son Matthew Cox, Waterloo, IA, Son Merle H. Cox Jr., Jamestown, ND, Stepson Ted (Linda) Williams, Urbandale, IA, Stepson Dan (Marge) Williams, Haines City, FL, Stepdaughter Kim (Jeff) Nelson, Holland, IA, Stepdaughter Debbie (Steve) Hubert, Reno, NV Sister Marie (Allen) Wilson, Rochester, MN, Brother Myron Cox, St. Charles, MN, Brother Michael (Kay) Cox, Rochester, MN, Brother Melvin Cox, AZ, several grandchildren, and several great grandchildren

Preceded in death by his parents and four sisters.