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Born under a lucky star on December 16, 1958 in Waco, Texas, Steven Kennamer Cox began his final adventure in the early morning hours of February 24, 2018 while sleeping beside his faithful canine companion Petunia.
He was welcomed to Heaven by the Lord God himself along with a host of friends and family, including his father Colonel Thomas L. Cox and his mother Marcia Kennamer Cox, both of whom were Durant High School education royalty.
Steve was a baptized member of Durant’s First Christian Church (FCC), served as a church deacon, member of the choir, co-leader of the college church group Thunder Alley, vice-moderator of the board and had recently been elected to the board of the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation. He was also an ordained minister of the world’s church and an alumnus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University from which he graduated with a business and marketing degree in 1980.
His many career titles and jobs included award-winning graphics and print professional, entrepreneur who helped open the Jubilation House in Durant, owner of Graphic Detail Inc. and Cox Digital Solutions in Dallas, Texas and Fantasy Foto, Old Time Photography in Eureka Springs, Ark. He also contributed time and resources in north Texas to the Black Tie Dinner as a member of the board and was deeply involved in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
Inventor of the multicloth during his college years, Steve continued using vast creative abilities throughout his life to develop plans and inspire a younger generation to follow their dreams. Perhaps his most treasured accomplishment was as almost mirror ball champ in Durant’s 2017 Dancing with the Stars competition. In non-technical terms, Steve simply stole every show in which he ever took part.
He was the pied piper, the ring leader and the most interesting person one could hope to meet. He was the friend everyone wanted more time with, and his friends often had nothing in common except their friendship with and love for Steve. His circle of friends and family reaches far and wide, all grieving the loss of a best friend. Simply put - he was loved, and he will be greatly missed.
As the story goes, composer Marvin Hamlish gave his personal permission for Steve to use the following song from A Chorus Line in any way he saw fit. Friends usually saw fit to use it when referring to him in general terms on most all occasions while Steve sang along. It goes like this:
One! Singular sensation, every little step he takes One! Thrilling combination, every move that he makes. One smile and suddenly nobody else, will, do. You know you’ll never be lonely with You know who. One! Moment in his presence and you can forget the rest. For the guy is second best to none, son, Ooh! Sigh! Give him your attention. Do, I Really have to mention. He’s the ONE.
Steve was also known in many circles for his rousing rendition of the song New York, New York. His version of the classic was sung so many times, it eventually became more popular than the original. When performing, Steve was an example of what others wanted to be, but couldn’t admit. The true center of attention.
Whether dancing in a diaper to Rock-N-Roll Baby on stage at Durant High School or generating fun at a Sig Tau fraternity party, leading the Congo line at a wedding reception, holding the baby or hand of a worried mother throughout a bris in sweltering heat, donning a chicken hat at a birthday party, shouting at the top of his lungs from a fire lookout in Oregon, babysitting sweet friend Arianna or being coaxed into an impromptu storytelling session for a group of eager fans - Steve was the ONE.
Steve is survived by brother Thomas L. Cox and wife Debra, along with beloved niece Kristin of Oxted, Surrey, UK. Also surviving are half-brother Thomas E. Cox and wife Cheryl, nephew J.T. Cox, along with aunts Jan Kennamer Bacon, Jean Kennamer, Hannelore Kennamer and many cherished cousins.
If you wish to make a gift in memory of Steve, he was committed to the First Christian Church in Durant, Oklahoma, and all memorials in his name will be appreciated. The mailing address is 301 North Third Avenue, Durant, OK 74701.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at Durant’s First Christian Church on Saturday, March 10 at 2 p.m., and he would definitely want you to be there.
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