William H. Cox

COX, William H. "Bill"
of Oshtemo Passed away September 14, 2011 at Bronson Hospital. He was born January 1, 1928 in Kalamazoo to the late Harry D. and Bessie Bernice Marhoff Cox. He was united in marriage to Patricia Howlett on March 26, 1949. Patricia preceded him in death in December of 2005. Bill served in the U.S. Army during WWII until he was honorably discharged. William loved music, singing, dancing, traveling, wood working, bird watching, tennis, golf and a good glass of wine. He was a life member of the WMU Alumni Association. He was an avid WMU sports fan, a member of the Fast Break Club and the Gary Fund. Then there was "Tea Time" a special time to share a cup of coffee, have a snack, and reflect on what was happening during the day. In later years William was reacquainted with a special friend from the past, Patricia Pera who filled the emptiness in his heart. He cherished the new friends he met while working with the Civic Reader Theater. Surviving Bill are his children, Kathryn Michael Marino of Buffalo, NY; Michael Cox of Syracuse, NY; Cecelia Gary Ossino of Kalamazoo; Christopher Sheryl Cox of St. Paul, MN; and special friend, Patricia Fisher Pera of Fennville. Bill is also survived by grandchildren Josephine Justin Beeman, Antonina Michael Morcelle, Paul Rachel Marino, Michael Becky McFarland Marino Jr., Patrick Felicia Patterson Marino, Christopher Marino, William Marino, Elizabeth Marino all of NY; Rachel Ossino, Allison Ossino, Gabriel Ossino, Nathaniel Ossino of Kalamazoo; Anthony Cox, Erin Cox, Thomas Cox of St. Paul, MN ; and great grandchildren Micah Marino, Timothy Beeman, Justin Beeman, Mariana Beeman, Isabella Morcelle, Joseph Morcelle, Matthew Morcelle, Deven Marino, Caleb Marino, and Sophia Marino all of NY; and several nephews. Also, preceding Bill in death was a daughter, Carolyn Cox; and 2 brothers, James and Joseph Cox. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. at Kanley Chapel on the campus of WMU. The Rev.Whitney Brown, officiating. Interment will take place at a later date in Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo. Arrangements by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.