Merle Lee Cox

Merle Lee Cox, 85, of Adel, Iowa, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, in Des Moines. Merle was born on August 2, 1940, in Brighton, Iowa, the third son of Marvin and Myrtle Cox, who had eight children.

Merle graduated from New Providence High School and Iowa State University. His career was rooted in agriculture, with expertise in swine production. After what he considered retirement, Merle started Brick Street Barbeque. His love of people, paired with his cooking made Brick Street a beloved favorite.

An avid outdoorsman, Merle found happiness in every season. He ran marathons, rode RAGBRAI more than once, and embraced nature in all forms, whether hunting, fishing, backpacking, or tending to his yard. At his Chariton Farm, he built Possum Lodge, a cherished hunting retreat where he spent countless hours with good friends.

Merle was deeply devoted to his family, wife Vonz, and children Rita and Mike. Known for the twinkle in his eye and his jokester nature, Merle always put others first. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family and dear friends. His needs were always second – or third – or fourth. He was kind and friendly, and he would share a story with any willing stranger at any time.

Deeply passionate about his beloved Iowa State Cyclones, any sport and any topic, basketball and football were his primary loves. Unfortunately for the household, his wife, Vonz, was equally passionate about the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, John and Alvin. He is survived by his wife, Vonadale "Vonz" Odem; daughter Rita Cox (Steven Jongeling) of Clifton Park, NY; son Michael Cox (Malinda) of Ames, IA; son Nathan Odem (Brooke); grandchildren Melrose and Talmage Odem, Alex Jongeling (Sarah), Casey Greubel (Abee), Chelsey Greubel (Justin Brown), and Carly Young (Brad); his great-grandchildren Delilah, Mack, Aberee, Ella, Asher, Gavin, and Jaylynn; and his siblings Ralph Cox (Gail), JoAnn Heinz, Mable Buerckley (Howard), Dale Cox (Joan), and Homer “Butch” Cox; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a prayer service starting at 7:00 pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel, Iowa. Funeral Services will be held at Adel United Methodist Church on Thursday, December 11, at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, Merle’s family asks people to donate blood through the Red Cross, or make donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa or Adel United Methodist Church.