Bert Ray Cox Jr.

Bert Ray Cox, Jr., 96, of Choctaw, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026, after a life well lived. He was born on January 23, 1930, in McLoud, OK to Bert Ray Cox, Sr. and Minnie (Lack) Cox.

Bert grew up on a 40-acre farm with five sisters and attended Dale High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served two years aboard the U.S.S. Pine Island (AV-12). On November 7, 1952, he married Inez Sutton and she joined him in the Philippines for the last two years of his service. After relocating to Okmulgee, he attended A&M Technology Center and later worked for the Oklahoma Publishing Company for over 30 years, never taking a sick day.

Bert and Inez enjoyed square dancing with the Raw Hide Club, and after retirement, traveled extensively-visiting 26 countries and every U.S. State except Nebraska. He loved working his five acres, built a house at Lake Eufaula and later sold it so they could travel by motorhome with the Birds of a Feather camping club. Bert's hobbies included fishing, waterskiing, gardening, woodworking, painting and ink drawing, and playing the mandolin. A devoted OU fan, he also enjoyed supporting the Dale Basketball teams. Know for a great sense of humor, Bert delighted family and friends with playful pranks, like hiding rubber snakes and having friends/family look up at imaginary animals up in trees.

Bert is survived by his wife of 73 years, Inez; sisters: Ruth and Evelyn; sons: Mike and Marvin; daughter, Debbie; grandchildren: Michael Wopsle, David Horst, Devin Horst, Julie Horst, Brian Horst and Jamie Cox; great-grandchildren: Jovi, Coda, Sophia, Alex, Ethan, Ariana and Mathias; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Mary Cromwell, Margaret Patrick, Ella Jean Hull and Bonnie Cox; grandson, Jordan Cox and great-granddaughter Amelia Horst.