COX, Joseph Edward 84 of Dayton, (formerly of Huber Heights, Eaton, and Park Layne), was born in Junction City, Ky., and died at Good Samaritan Hospital on October 5, 2008. Raised in rural Kentucky during the depression, farming was his life. Joe went off to WWII, and as an Army veteran returned to proudly earn bachelors and masters degrees in Psychiatric Social work, from Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky. Joe worked as a social worker his entire life, at various times with the welfare system, the mentally disabled, and criminally insane. Joe was a gentle soul who loved art, poetry, reading, and writing. He was a published author with articles in several magazines, but he loved to write an earnest "Letter to the Editor" as well. Joe enjoyed talk of politics and was as avid gardener. He liked goofy jokes and puns, and could immediately spot Waldo in any drawing. Joe was a social worker by nature as well as by profession. He took in not only stray animals! , but displaced people. Joe was preceded by his dear wife, Jeananne Skinner. He is survived by his son Steve and grandsons Matt, Mike, and Josh, his daughter Lynn, son-in-law Dane Wetz, and granddaughters Lyssa and Ally Wetz, his son Jim and grandsons Brandon and Justin, his niece, Jean Marie Purvis, and numerous beloved siblings and relatives in Kentucky. The family wishes to express gratitude to Tina and the staff at Spring Hills Singing Woods, and Gem City Home Health care, for providing safe, comfortable, and loving care the last months of his life. He can be remembered with donations to the North Shore Animal League, the Humane Society, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, or the Disabled American Veterans. Services have been entrusted to the Jennings Funeral Home, Tipp City and will be at the convenience of the family. Published in the Dayton Daily News on 10/7/2008