Fred W. Hecox

Dr. Fred W. Hecox, age 88 of Cozad, passed away July 1, 2013 at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg. Fred was born October 11, 1924 at Cozad, Nebraska to Dr. Rexford A. and Margaret R. (Janssen) Hecox. He graduated from Cozad High School in 1942. Fred followed in his father's footsteps, and pursued a career in dentistry. He attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he was President of his senior class and a 2-year letter winner for the Huskers in basketball. Fred went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska Dental School. On August 1, 1946, Fred married Marilyn Boettcher at Columbus, Nebraska. In 1951, the couple moved to San Diego, where they lived while Fred was serving in the U.S. Navy. In 1953, the family moved to Cozad, where Dr. Fred joined his father in the family dental practice and Marilyn lovingly cared for their 3 children, Terri, Cathy and Mike. In 1964, Dr. Fred and his father established the Cozad Dental Clinic at its present location on E street. Fred was very active in his community throughout his career in Cozad, having served on the School Board for 13 years in numerous capacities, including president, secretary and treasurer. He was a member of the Cozad Chamber of Commerce for nearly 40 years. He was active in the Cozad Elks Lodge #2250, Rotary Club, Masons, and had served on the Airport Authority Board. He was inducted into the Cozad Community Hospital Health Care Hall of Fame in October of 2006. In addition to Fred""s civic service, he was also very active in the Nebraska Dental Association on both the state and district levels. Fred had been a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cozad for over 50 years, and had served as both an elder and trustee. Fred enjoyed playing bridge, Husker football, hunting, golfing, gardening, travelling and spending time with family at their cabin at Jeffrey Lake. An active life never kept Fred from his highest priorities, family and God. He was incredibly proud to have served his country, and carried a deep sense of patriotism throughout his life. Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn in November of 2012; sister, Orvene Welden; and a brother, Donald Hecox. Fred is lovingly survived by 2 daughters, Teresa (Jim) Lambrechts of Westminster, CO, Catherine Kissel of Kearney; son, Dr. Michael (Dawn) Hecox of Cozad; 7 grandchildren, Gina (Jeff) Denton, Darcy (Quincy) Week, Cody (Brittany) Kissel, Christopher (Linda) Lambrechts, Dr. Ashton (Sara) Hecox, Tarron Hecox and Cullon Hecox; and 3 great grandchildren, Kyle, Evan & Riley. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Memorial services will be held on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Cozad with Pastor Elaine Besthorn officiating. A private family burial will be held in the Cozad Cemetery prior to the service. Visitation will be held on Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.