Lonnie Gene Cox

Cox, Lonnie Gene Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Kansas Air National Guard, died Friday, November 18, 2016, at St Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS after battling cancer for several years. He was born on May 21, 1949 in Chanute, KS, to George Edward and Ramona Dean (Cutler) Cox of Buffalo, KS. Lonnie graduated as the Salutatorian from Midway HS, Buffalo, KS in 1967. He attended Chanute Junior College and Pittsburg State University. He was a member of the ROTC at PSU. In April of 1969, Lonnie enlisted in the Kansas Air National Guard. He was a member of the 184th Tac Ftr Group, McConnell AFB, Wichita, KS and worked in the military personnel office as a military technician. He was transferred to the Texas ANG with the 147th Ftr Interceptor Group. He worked in military personnel and was selected to work for the National Guard Bureau on the microfilming project of all the Air National Guard Master Personnel Records. These records at that time were maintained at the State Hqs in each state. Lonnie returned to Kansas and joined the 190th Air Refueling Group at Forbes AFB, Topeka, KS working as Enlistment/ Separation Tech, Career Counseling Tech, and The Personnel Systems Manager. In August 1993, he was hired as the Personnel Systems Manager in the Support Personnel Management Office at the Hq Kansas Air National Guard. On September 15, 1995, he was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant. Chief Cox retired in May of 2005. He was awarded The Kansas National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon, Air Force Commendation Medal, AF longevity service Award Ribbon w/4 oak leaf clusters, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal w/6 Oak leaf clusters, and numerous other service awards. Lonnie was an accomplished pianist. He accompanied the High School Choruses at Midway HS, was the church pianist at the Christian Church in Buffalo, and played for many soloists, weddings, and funerals in the Buffalo and Chanute area. While living in Topeka, he was a member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral and the Chancel Choir. He sang The National Anthem at Air National Guard events and ceremonies and was also a member of the Topeka Festival Singers until radiation treatments damaged his vocal chords. He continued to sing with family members whenever he could. He was an avid golfer, bowler, flower gardener, and KU basketball fan, going to games whenever he could. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0001, Topeka, KS. Lonnie was a financial supporter of NPR and PBS. His survivors include: 2 brothers, Ed and Deborah Cox, Randy and Karen Cox; 1 sister, Susan (Cox) and Larry Beck, all of Chanute, KS; 3 nieces; 3 nephews; 6 great-nieces; and 3 great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ramona Cox; grandparents, Tom, and Lela Cox, Jake and Virginia Cutler; brother, Doyle Cox; and sister, Jane Cox. Celebration of Life Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 25, 2016, at First Christian Church, Chanute, KS with Reverend Tom Eastman, officiating. Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time Friday, at the church. Interment will immediately follow the services in Buffalo Cemetery, Buffalo, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances are suggested to the First Christian Church and they may be left or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 N. 7th, Fredonia, KS 66736.