MARCUS COX

Marcus Lafayette Cox, Jr.
April 20, 1952 – December 17, 2019

OKLAHOMA CITY
Marcus L. "Mark" Cox, Jr., 67, of Oklahoma City, passed unexpectedly from this life on Dec. 17, 2019. He was born to Dr. Marcus L. Cox, M.D. and Patty Palmer Cox in Augusta, GA on April 20, 1952, while his father attended medical school at the University of Georgia. Mark was raised in Oklahoma City and attended Casady School (Class of 1970), where he and his lifelong friend, David Daviee, were founding members of the band "Animal Child" with classmates Richie Jones and Doug Sepkowitz. Mark attended Westminster College in Fulton, MO and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in psychology. After college, Mark achieved certification as a "Master Scuba Diver" and worked as an underwater welder on offshore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Mark returned to Oklahoma City and worked for the 89ers Baseball Club, which his family owned and operated. It was there that he first met his wife and partner of 44 years, Linda Randels Cox.
Mark attended Oklahoma City University graduate school and received a master's degree in accounting, graduating with distinguished honors. Mark became a CPA in 1983 and worked for Arthur Anderson LLP in the auditing department prior to becoming chief financial officer of Equity Bank for Savings in Oklahoma City. For the past 15 years, Mark served as a manager in the accounting services practice at HSPG & Associates, working with founding partner and respected friend David Gaither. Mark cherished his working relationships with numerous high-profile clients and his coworkers at HSPG & Associates.
Mark had an excellent grasp of business and an entrepreneurial spirit. He built and operated sports venues, including the Edmond Indoor Soccer Arena, and was co-developer of Bear Creek Estates in Guthrie, OK. From hook rugs to fashion wear, many garage remodels took place over the years as Linda and Mark grew her home-based enterprises into successful companies and flipped numerous houses!
Mark and Linda have two beautiful daughters (Morgan and Whitney) and four wonderful grandchildren (Blake, Bennett, Jacob and Tinsley). Not only were they the center of his life, he was the center of theirs. "Da" never missed a sporting event or class party and was so loved by his grandchildren. He loved to swim, play baseball, basketball and music with his grandchildren. His absence will be immensely felt by his family.
Mark had an intense passion for music of all genres, from classical to country, and especially classic rock. He played numerous musical instruments and was a walking encyclopedia of Beatles trivia. He loved the ocean, sailing the outer banks, and exploring national parks. He enjoyed traveling to Kansas City for Chiefs' games with his friend, Barry Holt, and attending OU football and OKC Thunder games with friends and family. He collected comic books and had an extensive sports memorabilia collection which adorned his walls. Mark was a 4-time ("4 time !") winner of the Robert Cole Championship Trophy in 20+ seasons of the Schwartz Fantasy Football League led by his longtime friend and commissioner Tom Finnicum.
Mark was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He gave freely, he laughed loudly, and he loved deeply.
Mark was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Marcus L. Cox, M.D.; stepfathers, Bing Hampton and Robert "Bob" Roloff; mother-in-law, "Bombi" Randels; and father-in-law, Dr. George Randels, M.D.
Mark is survived by his mother, Patty Cox Hampton Roloff; Linda Randels Cox, who was the love of his life; and his daughters, Morgan Leslie Cox Bowling and Whitney Nicole Cox Alexander and her husband, Jon Alexander; and his beloved grandchildren, Blake Bowling, Bennett Bowling, and twins Jacob Alexander and Tinsley Alexander.
Mark is also survived by two sisters, Blair Cox Kirkby and Claudia Cox Phillips; and brother, Michael Cox and wife, Debbie O'Toole Cox; and his three nieces, Ann Marie Martin, Palmer Erisman, and Paige Erisman Nation (husband, Austin).
Some of Mark's happiest times were spent with his cousins, Marion & Jim Durst, Doug & Harriet Ervin, Patty Brunges, Ken & Theresa Ervin, Leigh & Eddie Thompson, Chris & Patsy Palmer, Steve & Lessie Palmer, and Emily Blaess.
Mark said he did not want a "funeral," he wanted a "party"! A celebration of his life will be planned in the future, where we can reminisce a life well lived, and lots of Beatles songs will be played.
Donations in memory of Mark may be made to: The American Heart Association.