|
| |
Wayne Merrel Cox was born at home October 1, 1940 to Celia Jane and Merrel Henry Cox in rural Big Rapids, Michigan. He passed from grace into Glory in the early morning hours of August 30, 2023 at the age of 82.
Wayne married his lifelong bride Bonnie Bongard on December 6, 1958. They made their first home in Rogers Heights, Michigan. From this union were born three children, Susan, Jesse, and Stuart. Wayne constructed a new home for his young family in rural Stanwood, Michigan where they lived until 1978. In July 1978 they moved their family to rural Depew, Oklahoma which is their current residence.
Wayne graduated from Big Rapids High School in Big Rapids, Michigan and earned an Associate’s Degree in Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration at Ferris State College in Big Rapids. Following college, Wayne started Cox Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration. Cox Heat & Air has flourished into the third generation. Wayne was hired as an instructor by Central Vo-Tech School, Drumright, Oklahoma for their debut Heat and Air program.
Wayne loved the outdoors. He never missed deer hunting season and really enjoyed fishing in his later years. His love for the outdoors piqued his interest in Mountain Man era reenactment. Wayne organized a regular church service which earned him the name “Parson” and Bonnie, “ Missis.”
Wayne built an authentic cabin which he hauled to regional rendezvous for he and Bonnie for their lodging at the encampments. Wayne built and sold custom black powder rifles which he proudly displayed during the rendezvous. They met many lifelong friends during their Mountain Man days. He loved music and was self-taught on several instruments.
He was survived by his wife Bonnie Cox; daughter, Susan White; sons Jesse Cox, and wife Melody; Stuart Cox and Brandi; one sister, Lois Martin; seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, a brother, and two grandchildren.
This site may be freely linked, but not duplicated in any way without consent.
All rights reserved! Commercial use of material within this site is prohibited!
© 2000-2024 Oklahoma CemeteriesThe information on this site is provided free for the purpose of researching your genealogy. This material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, for your own research, as long as this message remains on all copied material. The information contained in this site may not be copied to any other site without written "snail-mail" permission. If you wish to have a copy of a donor's material, you must have their permission. All information found on these pages is under copyright of Oklahoma Cemeteries. This is to protect any and all information donated. The original submitter or source of the information will retain their copyright. Unless otherwise stated, any donated material is given to Oklahoma Cemeteries to make it available online. This material will always be available at no cost, it will always remain free to the researcher.