Steve COX Was born in Seattle, Washington on April 29, 1960, and lost his life in the line of duty on December 2, 2006. He was 46. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Maria, and the proudest of fathers to his 1 year old son, Bronson and his step-daughter, Nicole. Steve will be deeply missed by all whose life he touched, including his family, the King County Sheriff's Department where he proudly served, and the community of White Center where he was a vital part of their community. Steve will be deeply missed by his loving parents, Ronald E. Cox and Joan E. Cox, and his younger brother, Ron Cox. Family was a cornerstone for Steve. Steve was raised in Burien, where he was a graduate of Evergreen High School, Class of 1978. He earned his Bachelors Degree from Central Washington University, and his Law Degree from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Steve began his law career in the Tri Cities where he served as the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of Franklin County. Later Steve took a position as a prosecutor in King County, but soon gave that up to pursue his lifelong desire to become a police officer. One of Steve's proudest moments was becoming a Deputy with the King County Sheriff's Department, where he tirelessly devoted the last 9 years of his life. Many people go to work to make money. Steve went to work to make a difference. His passions in life were his family, serving his community, working on his rental properties, exercising, loving his dogs, Luna and Danny, and being a devoted husband and father. Six months ago, Steve and Maria fulfilled Steve's biggest dream by becoming parents to Bronson, whom they adopted from Guatemala. Bronson brought a light to Steve's world that no degree ever could. He was truly at the happiest time of his life. Steve's work in White Center, where he served for the last 3 years brought him back to his old neighborhood to make a difference. He was President of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, worked as a volunteer in the community, and was instrumental in formulating the Weed and Seed program. His family can only hope his legacy will live on. No words can properly say good-bye to a man who was larger than life. His family will be lost without Steve, we will miss him, and will love him forever. Steve is also survived by his sister in law, Ingrid Cox, nephews, P.J. and Drew Cox, niece, Nicki Cox, brother in law, Pedro (and wife, Ximena) Arango, sister in law, Luzma (and husband, John) Woods, sister in law, Clara (and husband, Harry) Hettinger, his Aunt, Patti and Uncle Doug Leifeste, cousins, Sandra Owen, Gary Leifeste, Cindy (and Chris) Golob and Judy (and Randy) Querin. He also leaves behind many friends who loved him. Steve will be honored with a Police Procession and Service held at the Christian Faith Center in SeaTac, WA on Friday, December 8 at 11:00 a.m. Donations can be made to the Steve Cox Memorial fund at any US Bank. Arrangements entrusted to BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac (206) 242-1787. Please sign the online memorial at www.bonneywatson.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kimberly Ann Kearney
January 21, 2022
Prayers.
Dot Beard
December 29, 2006
I did not have the honor of knowing Steve personally. But, I remembered, how tall he stood to accept his award given to him my the Seattle Neighbor Group. I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and the family on Steve death. Few people have achieved the position of respect and high esteem which he edjoyed in his community. His absence will be felt by many for years to come. With deepest sympathy.
Lisa Mantello (Ferriols)
December 13, 2006
I cannot thank Steve enough for the care and concern he had for our neighborhood. I was lucky enough to meet Steve this summer as he helped our little community feel safe about an alternative high school program being moved into an old grade school a block away. By chance, he also helped my neighbor and I retrieve a stolen bike and caught the kid who did it. I'm sure he had one of the persuasive talks with him on the way home. He was our hero. My prayers are with his family. God Bless.
Tom Trapp
December 12, 2006
I grew up with Steve on 30th Avenue SW in Shorewood. We had a wonderful neighborhood - typical of the 1960s - full of kids...Steve, Ronnie, Kevin, Brent, Bobby, Craig, Joanie, et al. Steve was one of my best friends, and I have a million memories of times with him and his family. All the families in our neighborhood knew each other very well and looked out for each other. I even have wonderful (and funny) memories of Steve's childhood dog "Pokey" !! I moved out of the neighborhood to St. Paul, Minnesota at age 14, but to this day that place and time in our neighborhood in Seattle is dear to me. Even though Steve and I lost touch with each other 10 or so years back, a good friend is a friend for life - and Steve was a tremendous friend. I am so sorry for Maria & Bronson, Joan, Ron, Ron Jr., family, friends and the White Center community. I am so proud of what Steve was doing. He was, without a doubt, a hero. God bless you, Steve. You'll always be in my heart and in my thoughts. Always, always, always.
Your old pal, Tom
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Chris Peterson
December 11, 2006
While I only met Steve a few times, being the kid of a retired Seattle Police officer, I truly respect what he did for the community. Steve's younger brother Ron was a classmate of mine, and from all accounts both were cut from the same fine mold.
From my family to the Cox family, all our prayers.
One truly thankful family
December 10, 2006
Steve touched a life of a family member whom he arrested once 7 years ago. Steve always checked on him, and I hope that he knew he was the reason that our family member changed his life. He was the reason. We are proud to say after that one meeting with Steve our family member has become a hard working father, who has not even gotten a ticket. It took one mistake and Steve's influence to forever change our families lives. Thank you Steve, We wish you wouldnt have had to pay the price you did to make a diffrence.
You earned your wings on earth.....you earned them long before your last moment..
Stephanie Kallberg
December 10, 2006
I never met Steve. My family and friends either encountered him on duty or knew his brother Ron. Steves death weighs deeply on my heart and soul. He will now be an angel watching over us. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to every person that knew our local Hero.
TAMMY
December 10, 2006
when i think of officer cox,the saying "it's not how they died that makes them a hero,it's how they LIVED".god bless your family.
Bob Hedlund
December 8, 2006
Even though I haven't seen Steve in many years I have been thinking a lot about him. Along with the rest of the boys on 30th avenue southwest we all played our hearts out together, be it football, baseball or hide-and-go seek. I am so impressed and proud of what a courageous adult he was and will for the rest of my life hold him and his ideals in my memory: he was Shorewood's finest. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to you all; Maria, Bronson, Ron, Ron and Joanne.
Bob Hedlund
Jim Hathaway
December 8, 2006
I met Steve in 1991 in Pasco WA when he arrived as a new Deputy Prosecutor. What a dynamic individual he was. If you ever knew Steve you would know he was strong willed but fair and willing to help anyone. Steve was a hero and will be sorely missed. He left way to soon. God Bless Steve's family; I know they are so proud of their son, husband, father and brother.
Michael Ryder
December 7, 2006
My condolences to a good man that had a difficult job to do.
Tina Holmes
December 7, 2006
My deepest Sympathy to Maria, Bronson and the Cox family,
Steve was a true Champion for the White Center Community, he was fair & firm. He will be greatly missed and his sacrifice honored. May you find peace in memories of him.
Sincerly, Tina Holmes
Karin (Holmberg) Schock
December 7, 2006
Steve was a man of special courage and hope. To "come home" and endeavor to make a positive difference for the fine people of White Center is truly remarkable. I am humbled and inspired by the choices Steve made in his life, and proud to have been a classmate of person of such high calibre.
I hope that the pain of losing Steve is gradually muted by the memories of his valor,outstanding character and love.
December 7, 2006
Our condolences to a class act guy who touched our hearts. Vaya con dios, Sam & Patti
TAMMIE BUSHAW (BOUSLAUGH)
December 7, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
from a classmate of EHS and a co-worker from Herfy's
Marlene Hudson
December 7, 2006
May God keep you in his loving arms.
Angie Wylde-Harris
December 6, 2006
I never met Deputy Cox, but I have to say that his senseless death has touched me for some reason. My thoughts and prayers are with the Cox family.
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