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.
Darren was my friend from the 1st day I worked at the VA in 1996. Starting out as nurses on 7N, we cemented a friendship which lasted 29 years. As a fellow Army veteran and a staunch patriot, we usually agreed on the issues of the day.
We went on to work together at the MICU and stayed in touch for years as we moved on to other positions. While working at JB, our offices were right next to each other for years (we set it up that way).
Just last week, we were texting back and forth about getting together to maybe play golf and have a beer and a dog. He stated that he would now have a lot more free time on his hands and that he might even read a book. He had also just returned from visiting family in Texas.
DC had a great sense of humor. I must admit that I stole a few of his jokes and one-liners through the years. 🙂
He was an unflappable Chicago Cubs fan. I will miss his hilarious, edgy and sarcastic attacks on any team that wasn’t the Cubs. One added note, on the day that he passed, the first place Chicago Cubs won their game 7 to 3.
Rest in peace, Darren. You were loved by many.
I am so sorry for your loss. Darren was one of few that welcomed me to the VA when I was new. I will root for the Cubs for him. A great guy!
Darren was my first VA boss and friend. I was in culture shock. He made me feel welcomed and let me know I could do it. Now I am just in shock that he’s gone so soon. The depth of his love for his children and grandchildren was so deep. When he talked to me about them, I could literally see his eyes light up. I am saddened deeply about his sudden loss at a point when I know he was looking forward to being with his grandchildren. My faith belief will only allow me to believe that God had a plan and will bless and keep his family during this time of deep loss and sorrow. Now and beyond. Darren’s legacy will live on through the love that lives in his kids and grandkids. He will be missed.
I true friend, and I will miss my golf buddy.
My sincere condolences to Darren’s family and friends. In the few years I had the pleasure of working with him, he could always make me smile. He was witty and family orientated. He truly had a gift for helping others and finding solutions to any problem. Go Cubbies! May you rest peacefully in God’s arms.
I am deeply shocked and saddened by the unfathomable loss at the sudden passing of Darren. Its incredibly hard to believe that someone as kind, warm and caring as Darren is no longer with us. He was a kindred spirit who always made everyone around him feel seen and supported. He was always ready with a kind word, a helping hand or a warm smile and a quirky sense of humor.
I feel extremely grateful to have known Darren personally and worked with him over the years in MICU, Informatics and as a CAC at the VA.
My heart goes out to his loving family. Please know that you are in my thoughts during this heartbreaking time.
In Loving Memory of Darren Cox, RN
I just found out today that Darren Cox, a fellow VA colleague, retired this past Friday and passed away just two days later. I’m very sad and shocked to lean that Darren has passed.
Darren wasn’t in my department, but he was my go-to person whenever I had a problem and didn’t know who else to call. I knew it wasn’t his job, but he always helped—or found someone who could. Even when he was busy, he made time. That meant more than I can say.
We didn’t talk often. I usually only reached out when I was desperate for help, guidance, or direction. But every single time, Darren responded with patience, kindness, and the wisdom to steer me forward.
I’m especially grateful for all the help he gave me over the years—often when I needed it most. He had a quiet strength, a generous spirit, and a way of making things feel manageable even in the midst of chaos.
I’m heartbroken that I didn’t know about his homegoing service in time to attend. I would’ve done anything to be there. I pray his wife, children, grandchildren, and loved ones find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched.
Darren will truly be missed and always remembered.
I just heard. Darren was my go to guy! He always had time for whatever I needed work related and eventually became my friend( I had lots of work needs). He made the VA an easier place to be because he was there. The world is a sadder place because he is gone.