Howard Lindley Cox

Cox, Howard Lindley Of Wichita, 95, known as Lindley, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2017, in Wichita. He was born November 30, 1921 in Mound City, KS, to Howard Braxton ("H. B.") Cox and Blanche (Bearly) Cox, the youngest of 6 children. He graduated from Parker (KS) High School in 1939 and began college at Kansas State Teacher's College of Pittsburg (now Pittsburg State University) in the fall of that year. World War II interrupted his college education as he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, Cadet Training Program, and was called up in January, 1943. He trained as a bombardier on B-17 bombers and was shipped to Foggia, Italy, in February, 1945, with the 15th Air Force. Following the end of WW II, he remained in Italy as a supply officer and traffic investigation officer until he returned to the U.S. for discharge in August, 1946. After his discharge, Lindley returned to Pittsburg and received his B.S. degree in 1947 and an M.S. in 1948. He wed Margaret Claire Bower of Parsons, KS in 1949. They were married for 60 years and raised 4 children together, Sara, Joel, Jeff, and Jeremy. Lindley held several jobs in the 1950's before settling in Wichita, KS, where he taught vocational arts at South High School for several years. He then served as Supervisor of Student Services at the Wichita Area Vocation-Technical School until his retirement in 1986. He also served in the US Air Force Reserves, including 11 years as a Liaison Officer for the Air Force Academy, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Lindley Cox loved all members of his extended family unconditionally and took great joy in sharing their achievements with anyone he met. He was a skilled handyman and greatly enjoyed doing chores for friends and relatives. He had a great wit and an unmatched ability to tell extended stories that seemed to never end. Lindley and Margaret were long-time members of East Heights United Methodist Church, where he was a beloved Sunday School teacher for many years. Lindley Cox was predeceased by his parents, five siblings, and by his wife, Margaret. He is survived by daughter, Sara and husband, Steve of Wichita; son, Joel and wife, Karen of Fort Collins, CO; son, Jeff and wife, Cris of Tulsa; son, Jeremy and wife, Jennifer of Fort Collins, CO; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Doris (Bower) Toomey of Wilmington, DE; and numerous nieces and nephews who have many fond memories of their Uncle Lindley. Lindley's children are extremely grateful for the kindness shown by the staff and residents of Brookdale East Wichita assisted-living facility where he spent his last 3 years. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org)