Charles A Cox

Charles A. Cox was born on November 29, 1915 in Pawnee, Oklahoma. Charles, the youngest of seven siblings was born to the union of Joseph H. Cox (72 at the time of Charles’ birth) and Emma Thurston Cox (44 years old.) In 1919, Charles, his mother, and brothers traveled to Arkansas by covered wagon to begin tree farming on the land his dad purchased. Seven years later they returned to the homestead northwest of Pawnee that Joseph Cox acquired during the Oklahoma Land Run. Charles served in WW2 on four continents with the 45th Infantry in the China, Burma, India campaign and the European Campaign. His military career continued in the National Guard earning the rank of captain and serving as company commander for the Pawnee National Guard until his retirement in 1975. His father, Joseph H. Cox, served as a union corporal in the Civil War. Charles was the last known remaining “Real Son” of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in Oklahoma. Higher education always played a large part in the Cox family. Charles received his Bachelor of Science degree at Central State University (UCO) in Edmond and his Master of Science degree at A & M College (OSU.) Charles dedication to education and teaching left a legacy that endures generations. Mr. Cox started teaching in a one room school northwest of Pawnee, Victor School, then, taught one year at Jennings after the war, continuing his thirty year teaching career at Pawnee Public Schools teaching math and drivers’ education, a program that he started at Pawnee High School. He also drove a school bus and clocked Black Bear basketball games until his retirement in 1976. Early in his adulthood he met the love of his life at the telephone office in Pawnee. Elna Marie Griesel was a beautiful young woman with a heart of gold and a joy for life. Their marriage was one that would endure for 66 years until Elna’s death in 2008. Out of this union came their “two girls”, Judith Ann and Gail Lynn. Charles had numerous hobbies. He was a natural athlete which led him to play for a semipro baseball team in Texas before the war. He took up golf at age 62 having no formal lessons. He was proud of his four holes-in-one. He also loved hunting and fishing and because of his respect for property was always allowed to hunt and fish on the properties around Pawnee. He had a passion for music and was able to play various instruments “ by ear.” His favorite was his steel guitar which he continued to play up to six months before his death. Charles was a life time member of the First United Methodist Church serving on many committees. His bass voice was heard in the choir and continued to be heard at services at Southern Oaks. He loved the Lord and was a faithful servant all his life. He also served the community as city treasurer and city councilman. Ever true to his convictions, he and Elna raised their girls in the church and instilled a life of service and faith in each of them. Charles lived a rich, full life passing over to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 27, 2014, reaching the age of 98 years and two months. His service was held at the First United Methodist Church in Pawnee on Thursday, January 30, 2014. It is said that we stand on the shoulders of those that go before us… Charles Cox broad shoulders provided ample inspiration and support for many of us. Charles Cox is survived by his daughters, Judy Cox Graham, and husband Geren of Houston, Tx., and Gail Cox Gazin and husband John of Pawnee. Two grand children, Dr. Erin Grimes and husband Brian of Jenks, Mike Johnson of Tulsa; Seven great grandchildren, Jaxson and Raylee Grimes; Alexis and Shelbi Waller; Ethan, Jared, and Elisa Gazin. Numerous nephews and nieces. Memorials can be sent to Celebration, a Non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization affiliated with the United Methodist Church and cofounded by Judy Cox Graham. Mail to: Linda Johnson, Treasurer, Memo: Charles Cox Memorial, 4572 Sandpiper Cove, College Station, TX 77845-9313 Online donations can be made at www.celebrationministries.org “Invoice/Reference: Cox” Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church Pawnee Oklahoma. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery, Pawnee.