Calvin Dale Cox was born January 27, 1927, on the family ranch, Upper Hinton Creek, near Heppner, OR. He attended school in Heppner and received a high school diploma. He worked on the ranch and for a local logging company as a teen.
Drafted in 1946, Calvin immediately volunteered for the Army Air Force. He was sent to Fort Lewis, WA, and trained as an aerial photographer at Lowry Field, CO. He later cross-trained in the aerial radar technician career field. In 1953, he was ordered to Barksdale Air Force Base, LA, where he started his new career as a radar technician. His 26-year active duty status included Roswell Army Air Field, New Mexico Lowry Field, Royal Air Force Sculthorpe UK (where he met his future bride) and U-Tapao, Royal Thai Airbase. One of the highlights of his career was instructing navigators at the first Air Force Academy at Lowry Field.
Calvin met his wife, Constance, at a USO dance. She was in the Women's Royal Air Force. "I saw her, that was it." He could still remember the dance, the music and even the dress. They married in 1952.
After retiring, Calvin worked another 20 years with the US Air Force. His second career included the 28th Communication Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He said the moment he saw the Black Hills National Cemetery, he knew he was here to stay. Calvin & wife were stationed back to England as a Department of Defense civilian with his wife for 2 years and then returned to Ellsworth.
Calvin took full advantage of those hills, prairie hunting and fishing. There's a "trophy" room to prove it.
He was a member of American Legion Post 315, VFW post 1273, and DAV. He was also a Volunteer American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
Calvin, 90, Box Elder, died Thursday, September 13, 2018, at his residence.
He is survived by son, James (Christine) Cox; daughter, Joy Cox; granddaughter, Julia Binkley; and grandson, Jason Cox.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Constance (Reay) Cox; son, Michael JD Cox; daughter, Melody (Cox) Rydgren; and granddaughter, Jennifer Williams.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor David Baer officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Fellowship and lunch will be at the American Legion Post 315, Box Elder, following internment.

Click on link to view service folder