Pastor Bill Cox

Pastor Bill Cox, 71, Plainfield, died Friday.

Born in Pasadena, Calif., he was the son of William Cox and Glennie (Richardson) Cox.

He moved to Indiana in 1948 and graduated from Reelsville High School where he was named salutatorian. He was the pastor of Maple Grove Baptist Church, Plainfield, for more than 40 years and was an author of Christian books. He ministered at the Penal Farm for more than 30 years and established the present jail services at Hendricks County Jail.

He was a member of Maple Grove Baptist Church. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Pastor Jack Cox, and wife of 35 years Pat Hammond Cox.

Survivors include his wife Susan Cox; sons Bill Jr., Jon and Jim Cox; stepson Stephen Beard; daughters Teresa Gillentine, Dru Pearcy, Marv Newkirk and Patsy Davenport; 22 grandchildren and four stepgrandchildren.

Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Monday at Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Hall-Baker Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Pearcy officiating. Burial will follow with military rites in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Maple Grove Baptist Church, 11405 Maple Lane, Plainfield, IN 46168. Condolences may be e-mailed to www.bakerfuneralservice.com