Obituary - Billy Cox

Billy Martin Cox, age 94, of Butler, MO passed away May 1, 2026 at Medicalodges of Butler, MO. He was born September 23, 1931 in rural Freeman, MO and his birth name was Roy Martin Osborn. He was adopted at 2 1/2 years of age by Lewis and Viola Cox and they changed his name to Billy Martin Cox and attended numerous country grade schools. He graduated high school at Amsterdam, MO in 1949.
He was married to Twila Dudley of Amoret, and they had four children Gail, Merrilee, Dudley and Martin.
Billy worked numerous jobs including drilling many water wells locally with his step-father's drilling rig, the KC Star, Bendix in Kansas City and the KCPL Power Plant near LaCygne. Billy also tuned pianos part-time for 40 years. Billy was extremely talented musically and played and sang at numerous clubs and theaters, and recorded in Nashville, TN. Billy was also a talented painter of many oil paintings and portraits.
Billy married Betty Ross of Rich Hill, MO in February 1997 and they remained friends throughout the years. After moving to Montrose, MO, and then Wheatland he played music at the non-alcoholic dances in Pittsburg, MO for three years. Billy retired from music in 2003. He had many fond memories of music, children, and many good friends. Despite the tragic deaths of 3 of his children Billy managed to find joy in music and life. Billy was known to greet you with a big smile. Billy is survived by special friend Betty Ross and family, cousins, nieces, nephews, a son Martin and many friends and music fans. Billy was preceded in death by his children Gail, Merrilee and Dudley, his parents and brother Jack.

A graveside memorial service will be 2 pm Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Scott Cemetery, Amsterdam, MO with Chaplain Meghann Case officiating under the direction of Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home, Wheatland, MO.


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