Kenneth Lee Cox October 17, 1937 – June 26, 2026

Kenneth Lee Cox passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at his home in Devine, Texas, with his daughter Cindy by his side. He was 88 years old.
Born October 17, 1937 in Pearsall, Texas, Kenneth was raised working alongside his father on their family cattle ranch, where he grew up showing Zebu cattle.
Even at an early age, Kenneth was quick witted, sharp, and full of entrepreneurial spirit. He started young, building a livestock business, with more chickens than cattle, if you can believe it. He became District and Cotulla FFA President. As a boy, he picked up the love of cards and gambling much to his father’s displeasure. On countless occasions, he was found playing cards with the older men in town and according to the tales “dragged out by the ear”. He went on to attend Texas A&I University, where he played basketball and earned a degree in Agricultural Economics. Kenneth married Nancy English on November 15, 1965. Together they raised their family in Devine, Texas, and were married for 44 years until her passing in 2010.
After college, he founded Cox Cattle Company, followed by Cox Feedlot, Cox Packing Company and Triple C Steakhouse. He always said he raised them “from the womb to the tomb”. Later in life, he began coastal hay farming. He ran a tight ship and his business acumen, innovation, tenacity, and relentless work ethic earned him the kind of success that comes only to those who persevere. He served as president of the Pan American Zebu Association. Early in his career, Kenneth and his father were instrumental in improving and growing the breed in the United States. When Texas A&M Kingsville bought Texas A&I, he rallied his fellow alumni for reunions, claiming “A&I til I die” and “Javelinas are not extinct”.
Kenneth saw the world change dramatically in his lifetime. Raised far from town on their ranch without running water or electricity, he lived to see technology transform nearly every aspect of daily life. One of his greatest attributes was his adaptability and innovation. From electricity, running water and television to computers and cell phones, he never resisted change but embraced it as an opportunity to grow. He was always one step ahead and never one to let the world pass him by.
Standing at 6’8, Kenneth had a larger than life presence, not just in stature, but in spirit and charisma. Kenneth commanded a room before he ever said a word. His presence was unmistakable, his confidence unshakable. While he may have had an intimidating hard exterior, those who knew him well knew he had a soft center for those he loved.  Those who truly knew Kenneth saw a side the rest of the world didn’t always get to see. Beneath that formidable exterior was a man who loved deeply and fiercely, a man who showed up without question for his people. He was someone you could always count on.
Those in his life knew he would move heaven and earth for them, and many times he did. He believed you should step up for the people you love and was always there in both the good and the hard times. Though it may not have always been through words, he made you feel loved and supported. He was a relentless teaser, full of humor, wit, and banter. He loved a nice meal with good company and was never one to turn down a hand of cards or a bet. Gin was his game of choice, and he couldn’t wait to tell you “where the farmer hauls his cotton”.
Kenneth is survived by his dog Katie; his daughter Cindy Alford and son-in-law Bruce Alford; his grandchildren Lacey Cox, Cheyenne Cox Crain and husband Ryan Crain, Clayton Cox and wife Kenzi Cox, Emily Alford, and Cameron Cox; his great-grandchildren Cullen, Mary, Ronnie Jo; and his sister Judy Cox Kelley, as well as many beloved friends and family. He was also blessed with a team of longtime loyal employees and caregivers that became like family.
He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy English Cox; his son Ron Cox; his parents Leman Otis Cox and Gladys Sharber Cox; and his brother Harold Otis Cox.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 29th at Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton, Texas from 5:00–8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 30th at 10:00 a.m. at Cowboy Fellowship in Jourdanton, Texas, with a lunch reception at the church immediately following. Burial will follow at the Pearsall Cemetery in Pearsall, Texas.