David Lester Cox

     This obituary honors our beloved father, David L. Cox, 75, of Clarion, PA, who left us to be with his heavenly Father on March 4, 2026. Dad leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, service, and adventure. He led a life full of friendships, devotion to family, and a passion for embracing each day.

     Dad was born on July 7, 1950. He was the youngest of four children born to Ola Ida (McCord) and Lester David Cox, of Rockland, PA. Dad would often joke that his parents kept trying until they finally got it right. He and his three sisters had a childhood full of adventure and mischief and built a bond that never faded. Dad graduated from Cranberry High School in 1968 and went on to attend Grove City College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. While at Grove City, he also excelled on the wrestling mat and broke the school’s all-time win record, going undefeated his senior year.

     On June 10, 1972, Dad married our Mom, the love of his life, Janet (Dodd). Two weeks later, he entered Naval Flight School in Pensacola, FL., where he discovered a lifelong passion for flying – one that remained close to his heart throughout the years. Dad eventually got his private pilot’s license and never missed the chance to share his love of flying with those around him. Many friends and family have precious memories of adventures in the cockpit with Dad. In 2002 he also received his Class A skydiving license. As his children, we had no idea how lucky we were to have such a smart and audacious father.

     Upon completing his military service, Mom and Dad headed back to Rockland to start a family. In 1973, the job search for a young man with a chemistry degree was difficult. However, God had a plan for him, and he landed a job at a small regional bank. Dad was a wiz with numbers, and he had a way with people. He worked hard to become President and CEO of Farmers National Bank and Emclaire Financial. He played a pivotal role in the growth of Farmers Bank, largely due to his love for the people and his commitment to the community. We’ve heard countless stories about the “good ole days” when dad helped customers get started in business or helped them find a solution to a problem.

     In 1984, our family moved to Clarion where Dad would manage the new branch of Farmers National Bank. Clarion quickly became our home, and Dad immersed himself in community life. He was an active member of numerous service organizations including the Rotary Club, the First United Methodist Church, the Visiting Nurses Association, and the Clarion County Airport Authority. His dedication to community service was widely recognized when he was honored as 2011 Citizen of the Year by the Clarion Area Chamber of Commerce.

     Dad had a way of balancing work and family life. He faithfully supported and encouraged our athletic pursuits, academic achievements and personal milestones. He cheered us on in our successes and picked us up after our failures. He didn’t miss anything that involved his children (and most recently, grandchildren). Dad was the epitome of a dedicated husband and devoted father.

     In retirement, He embraced the joys of life. Dad could often be found flying his airplane, eating breakfast with his cousins, golfing with friends, spending Sundays at the farm, enjoying summers at the lake, and most especially cherishing time with his family. His grandchildren were the highlight of his life and a source of immense pride.

     When our brother passed away a few months ago, it was a reminder that life is fleeting and every moment counts. Dad would encourage us to embrace the good memories and when all else fails, tell a joke or give bunny ears in the family photo. Dad’s laughter filled rooms, his counsel guided many, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and adored him. To our mom he will always be her treasure and to us he will always be our hero.

     David is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janet; his daughters, Amy Brubaker, and Kristen (Troy) Thompson; his eight grandchildren, Noah, Elijah, Matthew, Andrew, Anna, Jakob, Madison, and Emma and his brother-in-law, Rick (Dana) Dodd. He is also survived by his sisters, Diane (Rev. Dr. John) Miller, Dixie Agnew, and Candace Connor. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jason Lester Cox; his parents, Lester David and Ola Ida Cox; and his brothers-in-law, Jack Connor and Dallice Agnew.

     Visitation for friends and family will be held Sunday (March 8) from 2 - 4 p.m. and also on Monday (March 9) from 10 a.m. until Noon in Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca.  A funeral service to celebrate Dave's life will be held in the funeral home Monday (March 9) at Noon with Rev. Dr. John Miller, Dave's brother-in-law, officiating. Private interment will follow in the Rockland Cemetery in Kennerdell.

      Memorial contributions may be made to the Clarion/Forest V.N.A., 271 Perkins Rd., Clarion, PA  16214.

      To express online condolences to Dave's family, visit www.hilebest.com

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