Gerald Lee Cox

Gerald Lee Cox, of Edmond, Oklahoma was taken from this life and into the next on September 29th, 2005. He was in the comfort of his home with his beloved family by his side. Gerald was born on August 24, 1933 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma City public schools, graduating from Capital Hill High School in 1951 where he was the drum major in the band. Gerald briefly attended the University of Oklahoma and was then drafted into the Army and sent to Germany. He served with the 45th Infantry Division and rose to the rank of Corporal. After his discharge in December, 1955, he returned home and married the love of his life, Shirley Segraves on August 31, 1956. Gerald completed his degree in Architectural Engineering Degree and graduated from O.U. in 1959 and obtained his Professional Engineering Certificate in 1963. Gerald began his professional career at Parr & Adderhold Architects. After working at the Benham Company and Kerr McGee, he joined E. V. Cox Construction in 1969. During his 36 years at E. V. Cox Construction, Gerald helped to transform the company into a nationally recognized firm in the field of Tilt-Up construction. The Lighthouse at Lake Hefner and the Bricktown Sonic Building were two of his favorite projects that garnered the company a Nation Design Award and Gerald the recognition that he never sought. Over the years Gerald forged many relationships within the business community and was respected for his honesty, integrity and commitment to his work. Everyone who knew Gerald also knew that he almost never missed a day at the office, even when he wasn't really up to it. He genuinely enjoyed plying his trade and utilizing his gift for design and engineering. Gerald's greatest work however, was 'his people' whom he made sure always had steady employment and with whom he generously shared in his success. Without 'his people', the Company would not have become what it is today. Every year, in June since 1973, Gerald made his annual trip to Canada to go fishing and escape from civilization. What began as a trip became an annual passion that was only missed one year, when surgery prevented his travel. A week of solitude with friends became an annual father/son event in 1977 and later a family event with his son in law and grandchildren that was never to be missed. This year he went between hospital stays and enjoyed his trip more than ever as he felt blessed to be able to go once again. Gerald is survived by his wife, Shirley Cox; his children Barry Cox and his wife Angela, grandsons Baylor and Lee; his daughter Christi Eischeid and husband Bill, and grandchildren Blair and Andy, all of Edmond. His brother Jim Cox of Oklahoma City; his brother Dale Cox and wife Lynn, of Moore; his sister Linda Semelbauer and her husband Doug of Springlake, Michigan, and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister Colleen Gosling and his parents, Jewel and E. V. Cox. A private interment will be followed by a public Memorial service to be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 3rd at the First Christian Church of Edmond located at 201 East 2nd Street, Edmond, OK. Viewing will be at Mathews Funeral Home at 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, OK on Sunday, October 2nd from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in his name. Special thanks to Cancer Care Associates in Oklahoma City, specifically Dr. Craig Reitz and his nurse Peggy, for their loving care and support throughout his courageous battle with cancer.