Robert Louis Cox

Robert (Bob) Louis Cox was born on August 23, 1927 in Fort Stockton, Texas. He died of complications from Parkinson’s disease on October 28, 2018 at his home in Huntsville, Texas. What is important, however, is the life he led between these dates. Born the second of three sons to Leigh and Jewel Cox, he soon followed his father’s lead in the pursuit of three passions – hunting, fishing and baseball. He played the catcher’s position for most of his baseball days, and would later state simply, “I was too slow to play any other place.” Anyone that ever hunted birds with him can attest to his skill with a shotgun. Following his graduation from Austin High School in Houston, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served five months sea duty on the USS Hancock during World War II. He would later serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, achieving the rank of corporal. Until late in life, he never spoke much about his time in the military, and would tell people that asked, “I couldn’t wait to get out.” It was while on leave in July 1953 that Bob met Juanita Golden in the offices of Humble Oil and Refining Company. They were married in March 1954. He would later call this the greatest achievement of his life. After his discharge from the Army in June 1954, Bob returned to Houston. He would graduate from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Geology in 1955, all while working for Humble Oil. With the births of their two children, Bob was thrust into a whole new role; that of a provider for his wife and moral compass for his new family. Bob accepted that role. He would ascend the ranks of Humble/Exxon Mobil from roustabout to bottom hole pressure operator to senior technician specializing in gas lift. He trained his children much as he trained those who worked with him at Exxon. From Algebra, to ethics and honesty, to making sure his daughter got to ballet class, to love of God and Country and, most of all family – these things were important and inseparable to him. Bob would retire from Exxon in July 1986. He and Juanita built their dream home in Huntsville on land that once belonged to his great grandfather. He spent his final years there, enjoying simple work and simple pleasures. He enjoyed mowing, brush clearing, mending fences, drinking fine wines and scotches, and fishing in the 8 acre pond he had built and stocked. He enjoyed sitting on the porch and watching his American flag flap in the wind. He is survived by his wife Juanita; his brother Leigh; son Robert Leigh; daughter and her spouse Terry and Kim Brightwell; grandchildren and their spouses Brooke & Rob Flores, Cody & Jessica Brightwell, Melissa & Alex Artushin, and many loving nieces and nephews. In one way or another, we have all been touched by him. It was a life well lived. A memorial celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 2, 2018 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 Normal Park Dr., Huntsville, Texas, followed by a lunch reception at his home. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or your favorite charity. The Cox family would like to extend our gratitude to the caregivers who offered him comfort, support and a semblance of dignity in his final days. We are so indebted to you.

Robert Louis Cox

August 23, 1927 - October 28, 2018