Howard J. Cox's Obituary
Howard J. Cox, age 88, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019. He was born June 4, 1930 in Muskegon to Arthur and Katherine (Bos) Cox. Howard was a 1949 graduate of Muskegon Heights High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was stationed in Hawaii, where he met the love of his life, Jovita, on Waikiki beach. On July 1, 1952, he married the former Jovita Sarme in Honolulu, Hawaii. Not long after; they traded the salt water beaches of the Aloha State for the fresh water beaches of Michigan and made their home in Muskegon. She preceded him in death on November 1, 2011. Howard worked and retired from IBM as a field engineer. Howard was a lifetime member of the Mona Lake Boat Club and was also a member of the American Legion in Fort Pierce, FL. He loved to golf and enjoyed spending his summers at Stony Lake, Michigan and his winters on Hutchinson Island in Florida. SURVIVORS include six children: Dr. Audrie Reaver of Norway, Jamie Ireland, James (Debbie) Cox both of Norton Shores, David Cox of Hilo, Hawaii, Donald Cox of Boulder, CO, Rev. Ronald (Hoan) Cox of Pennsylvania; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Sadie. He was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Roger Ireland and brother, Arthur Cox. A Celebration of Howard’s Life will be held Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 4-8 PM at the Mona Lake Boating Club (372 Randall Rd.). MEMORIALS to The Harbor Hospice Foundation or Meals on Wheels will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100
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