In Loving Memory of Herbert William Cox
Those who have known Herbert William Cox feel blessed to have memories of this truly wonderful, humble man. Herb will forever be remembered as a loving: father, brother, grandfather, father-in-law, (husband), and faithful friend. Herbert is survived by his two sons – Jack & Alan Cox, a brother - Gerald Cox (5 ½ years younger than Herb) and several grandchildren who adored their dear “Grandpaâ€Â.
Herbert was born in Boone City, Arkansas but soon after moved to California where he grew up with his father, mother, and brother during the depression. Herbert’s younger brother, Gerald, described Herb as “adventuresome†as a boy. At age 12 Herb ran away from home for 2 weeks and upon his return (to the surprise of his distraught parents), Herb joined the CCC (“Civilian Conservation Corps†– a work relief program for unemployed men providing vocational training, established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt).
At age 17 Herbert enlisted in the army and served in the Philippines for two years. During his service, Herb trained as a boxer, receiving the nickname: “Spiderâ€Â. He returned home after two years overseas and was stationed as a sergeant at Fort Lewis where he trained troops for battle. Herb was honorably discharged from the army after the war; yet, Herbert continued to be a “hero†to his loving family.
It was in Tacoma, Washington that Herbert met the love of his life and future wife: Dorothy May Lanz (birth – 02/19/1919). Gerald commented, “It was Dorothy who settled Herb down.†Herb and Dorothy married on August 15, 1947. Herbert found employment at Lige Dickson where he worked for nearly 27 years as a construction driver. The joyous birth of their first son, Jack Arthur Cox, took place on July 26, 1950. Next arrived a precious Valentine’s Day gift, the birth of their second son, Alan Leroy Cox, on February 14, 1952.
As the years passed, Alan, known as “Alâ€Â, married Lynda Diane Schierman (06/23/53) on July 28, 1972; they blessed Herb with three beautiful grandchildren: Michelle (04/18/75), Christopher (06/18/77), and Jacqueline (10/31/83). Jack wed Roxanne Reis (11/05/53) on August 25, 1979 and Herb received more blessings - two additional loving grandchildren: Andrea Marie (09/09/1983) and Bradley William Cox (02/23/1987) – named after Herbert William Cox.
Herb’s family was most important to him. His two boys, Jack and Al, fondly remember a kind, gentle, supportive and loving father who never physically reprimanded either of them. Herbert’s life together with his wife, Dorothy, was one of devotion and love. He spent one day less than 42 years of marriage together with Dorothy prior to sadly losing her to lung cancer on August 14, 1989. During the final years of his life, Herb was loyally befriended and lovingly cared for by his devoted neighbor and friend: Donna Duval.
And now as we all sorrowfully say goodbye to Herb, a man whom we have cherished, a hero to those of us who knew him, we take comfort in the fact that Herbert has gone to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for this we prayerfully rejoice. We give our sincerest thanks to God for the precious moments we have had together with our beloved father, brother, grandfather, and dearest friend: Herbert William Cox.##imported-begin##Jack and Roxanne Cox##imported-end##
