Cox, Darren Dion, passed away on June 1, 2025.
Loving father of Ashley (Andrew) Stream and Grant Cox; cherished grandfather of Sophia, Olivia and Kennedy; dearest son of Karen (nee Beaver) and the late Jerry Cox; dear brother of Teri Hultquist; dear uncle of Timothy Hultquist and Sylvia Zamarripa; dear cousin of Tracinda Bryant.
Services: Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, on Monday, June 9, 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 10, 9:30 am at Kutis South County Chapel. Interment with honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Patriot Guard Chapter of your choice.
To Darren, My Champion
What’s up, buttercup?
That’s how it always started, wasn’t it? A simple, cheerful phrase that became our signature—our way of saying, “I see you,” even in the busiest of days. You always met it with that grin, that steady presence, and I knew I could count on you. Every single time.
You were my champion. My protector. The one who made space for me when I needed it most. I still smile thinking about how we’d joke with the daycare kids about the JB suckers or the BAKs—inside jokes that made even the hardest days lighter. You made things better, not just for me, but for everyone lucky enough to work beside you.
I’ll never forget how you and Kelley welcomed me into the nursing informatics family. You didn’t just make room—you made me feel like I belonged. Like I mattered. That kind of kindness doesn’t fade.
I miss you more than I can say. I wish I could tell you all of this in this life, look you in the eyes and thank you with all the gratitude I carry in my heart. But I hold on to the hope that I’ll get to tell you in the afterlife. And when I do, I’ll start it just the way I always did:
What’s up, buttercup?
I am moved to silence and many tears. To open my messages and read my superman has flown away to higher ground. I am proud to know every single word written above is true! He was my superman. Darren, I am so happy the last time we spoke it was full of laughter and joy. May you rest in peace.
Karen Ridgel-Langford
U.S. Navy veteran.
So sorry to hear. Can someone send an email to me. Or call me if you can. My # 815-751-8598. Love you all
We are so sad and sorry for your loss Karen, Teri and kids, Ashley and family and Grant. Prayers for all. He will be missed so much.
My heartfelt sympathy to Grant and Ashley and family. Darren was such a great person.
One of the most beautiful amazing men I have known. I am sending my deepest condolences.
He is my friend and I have a big since of loss. He gave his wisdom and friendship to many people. I am broken and would sure wish he would tell me to snap out of it. He is genuine and he loves his family and country as do I. He represents what the VA values are and should always be.
I am truly heartbroken at the loss of this good man. I met him through my younger brother who has worked with him for more than 30 years at the VA hospital.
He came and visited us in Illinois many times and was a regular attendee at our friends of NRA dinners. His orneriness and absolute unshakable American patriotism fit right in with my family and he became closer than a brother to my brothers and me and was considered a fourth son by my father and mother. We always had a great time when he was around. I still cannot believe he is gone but I know I will see him again.
I can assure the family that you will see him again that truly he is in paradise at the foot of the throne of the lamb, right where he belongs with his cubs gear on and a cold beer in his hand, and with those he loved that have gone on before him.
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, especially those beautiful granddaughters who he adored and must go on without him.
This earth is a colder and much less fun place without him.
It is said that “a man never dies whose name is still spoken” ….speak his name loud and clear and often … I know I will be.
Rest in peace Brother, and thank you for your service to our country and the thousands of veterans you cared for in your career. I shall miss you much and will never forget you.
SEMPER FI
James Harnacke
Lincoln , IL.
To Darren,
I am overwhelmed with grief after talking to you on your way home from work Friday and discussing all the things you were going to do with this new chapter of your life. The team struggled with you leaving that Friday and to hear this news on Monday has been devastating to us all. Sending prayers to your children, your mom, and those beautiful grandchildren that you talked about daily. I hope your resting well. You were loved and admired and you were the true definition of a servant leader.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends. He was an amazing person with lots of knowledge he didn’t mind sharing. He will be missed. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.
I am saddened to hear this news. RIP Mr. Cox.
I will not have the opportunity to call you during your retirement, but you will always be remembered.
My heartfelt condolences. Darren was an amazing person with a beautiful spirit. He will be greatly missed.
Darren was truly a friend. We always talked about getting old and retiring together. We were both born in 1963. I always told him that he was truly a good, caring boss in MICU. He will truly be missed. Until we meet again.
Many years I’ve worked with Darren. Just over the last few weeks many have spent some time training with him preparing for his retirement. He was a kind soul and I’m glad that I had the chance to know him. I will never forget his sense of sarcasm and I know that he will be missed! Blessings to his family and all of those who loved him.