Cover photo for Byron Lee Cox's Obituary
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1930 Byron 2019

Byron Lee Cox

August 12, 1930 — February 26, 2019

Byron L. Cox, age 88, went to be with our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday afternoon, February 26, 2019. He was born on August 12, 1930, in Galesburg, Michigan, the son of John and Wilma (DeHoff) Cox, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are his two brothers, John Cox and Richard (Lorraine) Cox. Byron was a 1948 graduate from Galesburg High School. Following high school, he proudly served as a Staff Sargent in The U.S. Marine Corps from 1950 to 1953. On December 18, 1953, Byron was united in marriage to the love of his life, Anthonia "Toni" Griffioen, of Kalamazoo. They began their life together on HJ Avenue, and remained there for all the years of their lives. Together they raised six children, and still made time to serve their community and nurture countless friendships. Byron has now been reunited with his best friend and loving wife of 60 years, Toni Cox, who preceded him in death in 2014. Byron retired from The Upjohn Company as a Research Scientist for the Animal Health Research Division, with 31 years of service. He received the 1975 W.E. Upjohn Award, the highest recognition for an employee in The Upjohn Company. Byron "retired" at age 75 following 30 years of volunteer service as the G-A Football Team's Home game Announcer, affectionately called The Voice of the GA Rams. He has touched the lives of countless people in the community over the years as an active Member and Former President of the Galesburg Lion's Club. He coached little league teams and provided support to community members in many untold ways. Together with his wife, Toni, they supported the school's Band Booster and Athletic Booster Programs. Most importantly, he and his wife demonstrated values such as integrity, dedication, generosity the value of hard work, and love-in-action to his family and all who knew him. Byron very much enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and the outdoors. He was also known for his beautiful garden. Surviving are three sons and three daughters and their spouses: Barb and Drew Meinema of Portage (Jessi), Thomas and Kelly Cox of Richland (Sam and Mary), Deborah and James Coe of Galesburg (Lindsey, Jared, Christie, Michelle), Susan and John Pettigrew of Galesburg (John, Josh), Jeffrey and Kelly Cox of Valparaiso, Indiana (AJ, Amanda, Brooke, Jimmy), and Michael Cox and Christi Payne of Augusta (Steven), and 18 great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law Vonda, and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at New Life Victory Church, 2775 South 26th Street. Visitation with the family will precede the service from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church. We welcome you to attend any or all - the visitation, celebration and/or reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in his name to Kairos Dwelling House (Hospice Care), The Wounded Warrior Project, or the Galesburg-Augusta High School Sports Boosters. Private inurnment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes.
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Saturday, March 16, 2019

1:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Memorial Service

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Starts at 3:00 pm (Eastern time)

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