Chester Cox Obituaries - Bell County, TX

submitted by Janet Gardner 11/98
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These Bell County newspaper clippings are undated as to year.


Remains of Chester COX found Last Night After a Rise in River; 
Will Hold Funeral this Afternoon - 
Belton, April 24-the body of Chester COX, who was drowned a week ago last 
night at Dripping Springs after rescuing little Edith GOEPPINGER from the 
Leon, was found tonight at 9 o'clock at the Tennessee Vealley bridge, some 
three miles below the scene of the tragedy. The body was first seen by Q.A. 
ELLIS. It is said, who, together with Dave RILEY, Will ROBERTS and Wells 
SOUTHERLAND< had taken up watch on the bridge just a few minutes before 9 
o'clock. ELLIS was manning a powerful seachlight and saw the remains being 
carried down stream by a four foot rise in the river, which followed the 
heavy downpour this afternoon. The body was brought to the banks about 300 
yards above where the Cowhouse flows into Leon. It was brought immediately 
to the Eads, undertaking parlors here. Where it will be held until tomorrow 
afternoon at 4 o'clock, when the funeral will take place. Funeral arrangements 
will be completed tomorrow morning.

The finding of the body ended a long and loyal vigil for the remains of the 
popular Belton high school student and star athlete, who was beloved for his 
sterling traits and noble character. Scores of workers had worked practically 
unceasingly all through the week combing the banks of the stream and diving 
into the deep holes-going without food and sleep as the search continued. When 
the body was discovered word was immediately sent out to all workers and they 
were called in. Chester COX, who would have been 18 years old on May14, was the 
son of Mr. and Mrs. Perry COX of Belton. He was member of the Methodist Sunday 
school and took an active interest in class work. He was popular with all of his 
classmates at the high school and Belton Football fans admired his clean tactics 
and ability on the gridiron. His untimely passing brought untold grief to his 
parents, but scores of friends have called to express tender words of sympathy 
and offer whatever comfort possible.




In Memoriam - In loving memory of Chester COX, drowned in Leon river Sunday, 
April 16, this simple tribute is dedicated. It is published, not to glorify 
his name in death-that, indeed, would offend the immortal spirit of this 
departed youth-but to offer a word of condolence to the bereaved parents and 
other relatives and assuage their grief in the loss of this splendid young 
gentleman.

Chester COX went to his death in keeping with his true character. Rescuing a 
little girl from a whirlpool placing her safely on the banks of the stream 
only to fall back into the torrent himself-his soul to be swashed into eternity 
-he was carried under with a smile on his face. And his was the smile of victory, 
for he had accomplished that which he held dearer than his own life; he had saved 
the life of another; had battled against death that had come so dangerously near 
one he loved and had won, only to fall himself through an unexplained smite of Fate.
But Chester would no have the memory of his beautiful yet tragic sacrifice linger 
in the mind of the little girl he rescued. Had Fate been kind to him the incident 
of the actual rescue would have become a pleasant memory-just a "little thing" that 
transpired on a pleasure outing to cause him not to forget his pleasant youthful; 
associates as the shadow of life length ended for him. But if he had known when he 
plunged into the whirlpool that his life must be taken to save that of the other he 
would not have hesitated on the blanks of the swirling stream. He was a young man 
who had ideals and to be of help to others, no matter what the cost or sacrifice, 
was his ambition. He never asked others to shoulder the heavy end of the burden in 
the performance of a mutual task. If one had to bear a heavier load then others he 
was ever willing to take it upon his own shoulders; never shirking his duties at 
home or at play-always respectful of and devoted to his elders; always a gentleman 
on the streets or athletic field.

Chester COX, son of Mr. and Mrs. Perry COX of Belton, would have been 18 years old 
had he lived until next Sunday. In his death the community has lost heavily; for 
the world is in need of more men of the stuff of which he was made-real men who 
are not afraid to die when duty calls; true, courageous men who are undaunted in 
the face of danger; unselfish men who cheerfully will make a sacrifice to save 
others; who will smilingly give their lives as Chester did, if necessary, so that 
others might live. His passing has left a vacancy in the hearts of friends and 
loved ones but surely the angels in Heaven are rejoicing to receive into their 
eternal kingdom a soul so vallant and true. A FRIEND



Temple, Tex, May 5, 1922. - Card of Thanks - 
Belton, April 29,-Knowing that it will be impossible for us to see and tell 
each one individually how much we appreciate their acts of love and friendship 
done in behalf of our beloved Chester, and the noble and heroic efforts put 
forth in recovering his body, we take this means of expressing our appreciation. 
We appreciate, beyond words, every effort put forth and every act performed in 
our behalf in the saddest hour of our lives.

We can never forget how unreservedly you have given of your time and your services 
both in a financial and other ways even risking your own lives and health that the 
body of our Chester might be brought home. Good people we are unable to frame the 
words that would in the least convey to you how much we thank you and how we pray 
God's choicest blessings upon you. We pray God's infinite mercy that "Misfortune 
may not come nigh thee or thy house." However, should that be your lot, if we are 
alive, we will come to thee as thou hast come to us. We would not overlook the 
wonderful floral offerings. They were so pretty. We thank you for them and your 
thoughtfulness. With hearts full of love and appreciation, we beg to remain, 
sincerely your friends, Perry COX, Mrs. Perry COX, Vera COX, Eldon COX