Joe Cox

Joe Allen Cox was born September 21, 1932, to Cecil and Blanche Cox in Alva, Oklahoma and passed away Sunday, November 27, 2022 at the Kiowa District Healthcare. He celebrated his 90th birthday last month.

On January 25, 1951, Joe married Wanda Hobbs at the court house in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. To this union four children were born: Bob, Jim, Bill, and Cindra.

Joe grew up in Alva, then moved to Kiowa in 1951, where he began working as a mechanic for Lewis Motors. He continued his career at Wes Smith Chevrolet, and finally Bill Hurst Chevrolet. He was a mechanic almost 40 years.  He changed careers and became a custodian and bus driver for the South Barber School District, where we have heard stories that he was the BEST bus driver ever! One quote from a former student who Joe had told him “When I was in school, I only took three classes, Study Hall, Pool Hall, and Alcohol!!” That said, many family and friends have been remembering Joe’s “one liners” or as Joe called them, “Life Lessons”!

Next to his great love for his family, one passion was being a member of Kiowa Fire Department, where he was in charge of the red fire truck. All the firemen knew that was Joe’s truck, and not to touch it!  Joe retired from the department after 47 years of service in 2013.

Joe had a hobby of woodworking in his garage, where he made quilt racks, shelves and just about any project given to him. He was very particular about his work, and nothing was complete until it was perfect!

Joe became a resident at the Kiowa Manor in August 2022 and had a sense of humor that made everyone who stopped in his room smile. He loved pancakes and sausage, and anything with peanut butter on it!

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Blanche Cox; his wife, Wanda of almost 70 years, his brother, Jerry Cox; son in-law, Monty B Williams, and two granddaughters, Kristin Ann Cox, and Barbara Lynn Cox.

He is survived by his children, Bob and Pam Cox, Jim and Cathy Cox, Bill and Deb Cox, and Cindra Williams and fiancé, Randy Robbins, all of Kiowa; nine grandchildren, Chad and (Nicky) Cox, Ryan and (Jamie) Cox, Katie Cox, Evan and (Elizabeth) Cox, Kevin Cox and (Chelsa Jo Campbell), Banon and (Jordyn) Cox, Kody and (LaTisha) Williams, Shelby and (Brian) Nielsen, Casey Williams and (Carrie Roland); fifteen great grandchildren, Cullen and Kennadie Cox, Camden, Zoey, Dillon and Archer Cox, Wesley Lou and Vanna Cox, BrayLynn, Ashtyn and Jaidyn Williams, Maudie B and Anton Nielsen and Tinley and Tucker Williams. His 16th great grandchild will make his appearance in January 2023. He is also survived by one sister in-law, Wanda Cox of Alva.

There will be a graveside service celebrating Joe’s life on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at Riverview Cemetery.  Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa.  Viewing will be Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. www.lanmanmemorials.com   Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials may be made to Kiowa Fire Department through the funeral home.