Milton Charles Cox Jr.

Milton Charles Cox, Jr.

1936 - 2026

"I am the resurrection and life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" ~John 11:25-26 NKJV

Milton Charles Cox, Jr. transitioned into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 30, 2026. He was 89 years old. Milton was born on June 10, 1936, to the late Milton Charles Cox, Sr. and the late Thelma White Cox. Milton, Sr. and Thelma raised twelve children, with Milton being the second born and the oldest son. Milton absolutely cherished his role and responsibilities as the oldest son, often providing guidance and encouragement to his beloved siblings. He is the brother of the late Mildred Cox White, the late Eldoris Cox Adams, Janice Cox Lathan, Leroy Cox, Larry Cox, Allen Cox, the late Barbara Cox Swain, the late Marsha Cox Johnson, Terry Cox, Michael Cox, Sundra Cox Scott and Mary Span.

Milton was baptized at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, becoming a lifelong member of the church where his parents dutifully served. He grew up in Edgard, Louisiana and attended Second Ward High School, graduating in May of 1956. Milton loved high school sports, excelling in both football and especially baseball. Because of his natural gift for playing baseball, Milton was awarded a scholarship to Southern University where he was teammates with the legendary Lou Brock. He was also scouted by a Major League Baseball (MLB) team but decided not to pursue a career in professional baseball. While in high school, Milton met the great love of his life, Dolores Hilaire Cox. Milton and Dolores were joined in holy matrimony on August 9, 1958, sharing over 67 years of marriage. To this union, eleven children were born, the late Gail Cox Ceasar, Keith Cox, Milton Cox III, Darlene Cox Bethancourt, Bryant Cox, Rodney Cox, Mark Cox, Tina Cox Neal, Marlet Cox, Kimberley Cox Arceneaux and Denise Cox.

After college, Milton worked as a young teacher in the St. John Parish school system. However, most of his professional career was spent at Union Carbide, where he would eventually retire in 1999 after 25 years of working for the company. Milton worked hard to support his family and pursued several business ventures over the years. However, anyone who knew him knew he loved talking and being a boss. He had an uncanny knack for giving orders and telling you what to do. He would often use his gift of gab and leadership to help those in trouble. He loved community and connecting with people. So, it came as no surprise when Milton pursued a career in local politics. Milton was elected and served as Constable, Justice of the Peace in District 1 of St. John Parish from 1984 to 2003, serving the Parish for eighteen years.

Once Milton retired from work and political life, he enjoyed spending much of his retired life with family and close friends. Milton would regularly reflect on the many memories of his family, collected over nearly nine decades of life. As his health began to decline, the gratitude in his heart grew increasingly abundant. Milton deeply recognized how incredibly blessed he was, even when he wasn't feeling his best. He thought himself blessed to have celebrated 67 wedding anniversaries with his beloved. Because of the LORD's mercies, he was able to wish his wife one last happy birthday, celebrating her 90th birthday one week before he transitioned. He was thankful to the LORD for enabling him to witness the marriages of his children, to celebrate the birth of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, countless birthdays, baptisms and graduations. He was grateful for being present at family reunions, holiday celebrations and family get-togethers where he relished reminiscing on old times; sharing great memories and stories of a life well lived. His heart was full of thankfulness for God' s grace, which steadied our family as we navigated the storms of life. Milton peacefully transitioned from this life with a heart full of gratitude for God and for the unwavering love and care of his family and friends throughout his life.

Amid such a big, busy family, Milton cultivated a love for gardening. He was extremely proud of his garden, successfully harvesting crops of okra, tomato, cabbage and cucumbers. Milton was also an avid Saints fan, jubilant as he witnessed his beloved Saints finally win the Superbowl in 2010.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Charles Cox Sr. and Thelma White Cox, sisters, Mildred "Dot" Cox White, Eldoris "Peaches" Cox Adams, Marsha Cox Johnson and Barbara Cox Swain; daughter Gail Cox Ceasar, grandson Terrence Bethancourt, sisters-in-law, Enola Cox and Sonia Jasmin Cox and brother-in-law, Fred Spain.

Milton's love and commitment to family is forever sealed in the hearts of his devoted wife and children who personally cared for him every day until he passed. He is survived by his wife, Dolores Hilaire Cox and children Keith Cox, Milton Cox, III, Darlene Cox Bethancourt (Cecil), Bryant Cox (Michelle), Rodney Cox (Nicole), Mark Cox, Tina Cox Neal (Raffeal), Marlet Cox, Kimberley Cox Arceneaux (Steve) and Denise Cox (Brent). Milton's incredible legacy will also live on through his 20 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Milton is also survived by three sisters, Sundra C. Scott (Bernard), Janice C. Lathan (Lee) and Mary Spain, five brothers, Leroy Cox, Larry Cox, Allen Cox (Evangeline), Terry Cox (Brenda) and Michael Cox (Melanie) and brother-in-law Carl Swain.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Milton's beautiful life with a homegoing service on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at New Wine Christian Fellowship, 1929 W Airline Hwy, LaPlace, LA. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 192 East 7th Street, Edgard, LA. Final Arrangements entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC. 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068. 985-359-1919. "Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission."

The repast will be held at the Westbank Reception Hall, 2455 Hwy 18, Vacherie, LA.