Aaron Cox

Please consider supporting Aaaron's family through their GoFund.me

As family and friends will certainly agree, Aaron Cox truly lived each and every day to the very fullest. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he was known and admired for his loyalty and solid work ethic. Nothing brought Aaron greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones. His selfless heart and willingness to serve allowed him to impact the lives of countless others for the better. Forever missed, Aaron and his memory will be deeply cherished by those who knew him best.

The 1980s were a time of great and exciting change in the United States. The Cold War had come to an end, and musical artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince topped the music charts with historic fame. Humanity even rose to new heights with Columbia, the first Space Shuttle, early on in the decade. It was during this influential time that Terry and Andrea (Scott) Cox of Arcadia, California, were eagerly expecting the arrival of their baby. On May 28, 1984, they welcomed their son, Aaron Alexander, into their waiting arms.

Growing up, Aaron was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in West Covina alongside his younger sister, Allison. As a boy, Aaron could often find himself in some mischief. His grandparents and his aunt, Gail, known affectionately as Aunt Gee, were huge parts of his childhood. Aaron’s grandparents would sometimes pick him and Allison up from school. Once they moved to Palm Springs, Aaron enjoyed visiting them there. Aunt Gee was a lifelong role model who he looked up to with great love and respect.

The Cox family were avid sports fans, so he was quickly immersed in the world of sports. Aaron would become a lifelong fan of the Dodgers, the Anaheim Ducks, and the Chargers. He loved playing sports as well. Aaron was involved in Little League, played football, and swam competitively. He attended local schools, and during those formative years, he built several friendships that would remain strong over the years to come. Aaron attended and graduated from South Hills High School, then went on to pursue further education at the University of California Riverside, where he studied finance and marketing. He excelled in college and graduated with honors.

During his time in college, Aaron began working at a mortgage company with his father. He found success and continued to work in the mortgage business after his graduation. Aaron’s coworkers could see his potential and often asked him for advice. He was very good with technology and numbers. However, when the mortgage world turned sour, Aaron turned his attention to finding work elsewhere. He worked in sales for Samsung for a time. Aaron was never afraid to work hard, especially when it came to providing for himself and those who depended on him.

Exciting changes were in store for Aaron as he met the woman who would soon become the love of his life. Her name was Stephanie Millspaugh, and the two first met while playing roller hockey. Aaron was interested immediately, but Stephanie was reluctant to get involved with him until they spent hours talking on their first date. She realized he was more mature than she had thought, and the rest was history. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Aaron and Stephanie were married in Laguna Hills, California, on November 7, 2014. They newlyweds then embarked on a honeymoon cruise to the Bahamas.

Of all the things Aaron loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He and Stephanie moved to Claremont, California, where they were overjoyed to welcome their first three daughters, Sadie, Avery, and Presley, into their hearts and home. Amid the pandemic in 2020, Aaron moved his family across the country to Rockford, Michigan, and rented a house on Myers Lake. A short time later, they were able to settle into a home of their own on the lake. It was here that the Cox family was completed with the arrival of their fourth daughter, MaKenna, in 2023. Aaron thrived in his role as a father. He loved to play with his daughters, and he took great pride in not only toughening them up but serving as a loving, guiding example for them. Aaron cheered at all of their soccer games, and he was usually the loudest on the sidelines. The family loved boating and tubing on the lake together. Aaron and Stephanie were also able to develop close friendships in their neighborhood. They felt they had found another family in their friends. Aaron always considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Aaron pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He enjoyed golf, hosting friends at the lake, and country music. Aaron was famous for his smoked tri-tips and grilled pizzas. He could be competitive and stubborn, but that made him a reliable rock for others to lean on. Aaron was outgoing and friendly, and he loved to make others happy. His sharp sense of humor could bring a smile to anyone’s face.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Aaron Cox, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was always willing to go above and beyond to care for others. A devoted husband, father, and friend, Aaron was beloved by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. His insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around him. Though he will be dearly missed, Aaron leaves behind a shining legacy of kindness and generosity that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Aaron is survived by his wife, Stephanie; their daughters Sadie, Avery, Presley and MaKenna; his father and step-mother Terry & Robyn Cox; sister, Allison & Dan Warden; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Dannielle, Shilo (David), Shannon (Jessica), Marcus; father-in-law, James Millspaugh; aunts and uncles Gail Cox (and family friend Henry Layne), Walker and Becky Scott, Pam Dickenson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Aaron was preceded in death by his mother, Andrea Cox, and by his mother-in-law Irene Millspaugh.

Friends are invited to come and celebrate Aaron’s life on Saturday, January 11 at 3 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Friends may begin visiting with his family at 2 PM and for a time immediately following the service. For those who wish, memorial donations are suggested to the go fund me account to help his family.