Owen J. Cox was born at Carbon Hill, Illinois on April 18, 1902, the son of James E. Cox and Maude Woodley. Coming to Marion as a child with his parents, most of his life had been spent in this community where he became a prominent figure.
Owen was married at Union City, Tennessee on April 25, 1920 to Elizabeth L. Norman
After working in the coal mines early in his life and spending several years in the advertising department of the Marion Daily Republican he became associated with Mark Woodley and Miss Mabel Todd in the ownership of the Roberts Insurance Agency with which he was identified until his retirement and sale of the business several years ago.
A talented violinist, he performed with church orchestras and other groups for many years during his early life and taught music as a private tutor.
Cox had been a member of the Marion Lions Club 36 years and served as President of that organization during the club year 1942-43. He was also the club’s most active member in the enrollment of new membership and was one of few men in the international organization holding the Key of Nations awarded for sponsorship of 100 new members. He has sponsored more than 130 men in local club membership during his career as a Lion which included a record of 30 years perfect attendance prior to absences due to illness.
Cox was a member of the First United Methodist Church and held membership in the Marion Senior Citizens and retired from Roberts Insurance Agency around 1968.
Cox, who had a long history of heart disease, collapsed while working in the yard at his home and died suddenly at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 1975, at his home at 1108 W. White Street.
Cox was survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Elmer (Katherine) Nelson, Dallas, Texas and Mrs. Charles (Eloise) Turner, Johnston City, one son, Arthur E. Cox, St. Louis, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was survived also by two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Murrie, Lockport and Mrs. Violet Hartman, Elgin.
He was preceded in death by one son, a daughter, a brother and sister.
Funeral services were held Friday 1:30 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home by the Rev. Max Martin and the Rev. James E. Bryant. Burial followed in Rose Hill Cemetery.
(Extracted from the Southern Illinoisan and Marion Daily Republican, August 27, 1975; compiled by Sam Lattuca on 12/26/2013)