Donald Leroy Cox

Born on February 28, 1936 in Sacramento, Don passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at age 90. 

Don spent his early years in Sutter Creek until the third grade, when his family moved to Maxwell, California. He played multiple sports in high school before heading to UC Berkeley for college. He spent one year at Chico State, but he returned to Cal so he could graduate with a degree in geology. 

In June 1960, he married the love of his life, Ramona (Sundquist) Cox, whom he had first met during high school at a church summer camp. They were married for 52 years until her passing in 2012. 

After their wedding, the couple honeymooned by driving across the country so Don could report for service in the United States Army at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. Upon completion of his service, they returned to California and Don took a job at Teichert Construction where he would work for forty years as an estimator, surveyor, engineer and in several other capacities.

Don and Mona raised their two children, Debbie and Gary, in Carmichael.

After his retirement in 2001, Don and Mona traveled extensively around the U.S. Don enjoyed hunting and fishing, rooting for the Kings, Giants, 49ers and Cal Bears, playing cards, reading and spending time with his children and their families. 

Don believed in the value of hard work, the importance of family and being a good friend and neighbor. He was funny and friendly, always wearing a smile, and beloved by all who knew him, even for a short time.

Don was preceded in death by his parents John and Ruth Cox, wife Mona and brother Robert. He is survived by his brother Doug (Kathryn), sister Carolyn (Dennis), children Debbie Cox Bultan (Tevfik) and Gary Cox (Shelly), grandchildren Leyla and Aydin Bultan, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and his companion Pat Youmans. 

He will be forever remembered for his smile, kindness and the positive impact he had on all who met him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Carmichael Presbyterian Church on September 19. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Don's name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Boys and Girls Club of Sacramento, Teichert Branch, 5212 Lemon Hill Avenue, Sacramento 95814.