Preston Cox

Preston Coye Cox, age 98, passed away into the arms of his Lord in the quiet, early morning of Tuesday, May 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. Preston was born on January 15, 1928, to Andrew Jefferson "Jeff" Cox and Connie Elizabeth McCullough Cox at their home outside of Gustine, Texas. He spent most of his early years going to school, playing football, and working at different jobs in and around Gustine.

He married the love of his life, Dorothy Lee McAliley, on February 27, 1954, in Comanche, Texas. They welcomed their daughter, Rhonda, on January 8, 1960. Preston and Dorothy spent 56 beautiful, love-filled years together before Dorothy was called home on August 31, 2010.

Preston's first full-time job was working for the County of Comanche. Upon leaving the county, he went to work for the Texas Highway Department. After a short time, he was named Maintenance Foreman for the Comanche office. Preston retired from the state in March, 1990, after working 28 years. One of the things that he was most proud of was working to help get the J C Dingwall Hwy 377 overpass built.

His retirement years were busy working alongside some great friends doing all kinds of handyman jobs, welding, fence building and countless masonry and carpentry projects still able to be seen around town today. He was a board member at Oakwood Cemetery and enjoyed organizing the monthly volunteer workday, forging more friendships with those that volunteered. He took care of mowing and trimming several cemeteries and continued to mow his churches property, which he did for over 60 years.

Preston was a faithful, longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Comanche and actively served alongside his wife, Dorothy, and daughter, Rhonda. He was an active member of the Freemasons at Hope Lodge No. 481 (previously consolidated with Fleming Lodge in Gustine) from 1951-2026, earning a Master Mason certificate for 75 years of service and dedication.

Preston was known for many things in the community, but to his family he was known as a loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pa. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Dorothy, his parents Jeff and Connie, sister Frances Swann and brother-in-law Rector Swann, sister Juanita Owen and brother-in-law Charles Owen; and many friends. He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Abbey and her husband, Carroll. Granddaughters Allison Abbey and Kassie Day, Grandson-in-law Jacob Day. Preston was also Pa to his great-grandchildren Lakyn Day, Meryn Day, Niles Day, and Ozlyn Day; several nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.

Memorials can be made to Oakwood Cemetery, Comanche County Museum, and First Methodist Church of Comanche.