On Sunday, December 25th, 2022, John Walker Cox, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away at the age of 74.

John was born on September 22nd, 1948 in Fort Sill, OK to Richard Yeager Cox and Modena Laverne Hamilton of Fort Sill. John grew up in Lawton, but spent a lot of time in Oklahoma City with his aunt and uncle, Thelma Casady and Walker Casady, whom he was named for. John had two children, Aaron and Carolyn. On April 12th, 1997, he married Jill Kathleen Conner, who remains his wife to this day. John graduated from Lawton High in 1966 and then attended Cameron University where he was a member of the ROTC. Upon Graduation in 1970, he joined the Army and was stationed at Ft. Knox for training. John made his final move to Oklahoma City, where he would work for American First Corporation and then Timberlake Construction for 25 years.

John had a passion for sports growing up that continued as an adult. His favorite team was the New York Yankees. He was particularly fond of softball, which he played with many people that would become life-long friends. Later in life, John would pick up marathon running, tennis and golf. No matter what the sport, John played it with great intensity and collected friends all along the way. This competitive streak extended to his family. There were many foot races with nephews, nieces, and all of his grandchildren. Ping Pong games with his grandchildren were especially intense, and none of them could expect for him to take it easy on them. Beating Papa John was a true badge of honor for his grandchildren. He was also an avid music fan. He made several trips to see live performances. His favorite performers were Cher and Celine Dion.

John was preceded in death by his father, Richard, and mother, Modena, brother, Dick (Richard Jr.), aunt, Thelma, and uncle, Walker. He is survived by his wife Jill, children, Aaron and Carolyn, step children Karis and Braden, sister, Carmen, brother, Ron, grandchildren, Miah, Caden, Nora Claire, Jaxon, and Kennedy, among other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 29th, 2022 at Vondel Smith Funeral Home on N. MacArthur Blvd at 1:00pm. Because John's favorite color is red, you are welcome to wear something red to help us celebrate him (accessories, clothing, etc.). In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made in John's name to the Salvation Army or City Rescue Mission in Oklahoma City which he always supported.

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