Michael Douglas Cox, 82, of El Dorado, Kansas, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Mike was born and raised in Eureka, Kansas, to Wayne Douglas Cox and Alice Arletta Cox (Barb). After graduating from high school, he headed west to Southern California in search of new opportunities. It was there that he met the love of his life, Marie Cox. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed to share 61 wonderful years of marriage.

Mike retired from the Santa Fe Railroad before pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming an electrician. Through hard work, determination, and countless hours of studying, he earned his Master Electrician’s license, passing the exam on his very first attempt. He later owned and operated his own electrical business while living in California.

Although California was home for many years, Kansas always held a special place in Mike’s heart. In 1994, he and Marie returned to El Dorado, where he began serving Butler County as the County Building Inspector. It was a career he truly loved. He took great pride in serving his community, enjoyed traveling throughout the county, and especially loved meeting and talking with the people he served each day. Mike also proudly served as President of the local IAEI Sunflower Chapter.

Mike never met a stranger. He had the gift of conversation and could strike up a friendship with anyone he met. It became a favorite family joke that a quick trip to the gas station would somehow turn into a three- or four-hour outing because he stopped to visit with so many people along the way. His warm smile, quick wit, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel like a friend.

Like all of us, Mike had his strengths and imperfections, but those who knew and loved him will remember him most for his kind heart, his generosity, and the love he so freely gave to his family and friends. More than anything, he cherished his family, and the memories they shared together will remain a lasting treasure.

Mike also had a lifelong passion for aviation and transportation. He loved flying and had a special fascination with airplanes and trains. He earned his pilot’s license and fulfilled a lifelong dream by owning his own airplane for several years.

Mike will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marie Cox; his daughter, Christine Pytel; his sister, Zinnia (Daniel) Vandenberg of Kansas City, Kansas; his grandsons, Tyler (Carly) Pytel of Little Rock, Arkansas, Jacob (Mary) Pytel of Tampa, Florida, and Jarid (Liz) Pytel of Wichita, Kansas; as well as his cherished great-grandchildren, Tayler, Ace, Colton, and Allison.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Douglas Cox, and his mother, Alice Irwin.

In accordance with Mike’s wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.