Dr. Kenneth M. Cox, 88, formerly of Lusk Run Road, Mill Hall, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 at Haven Place, Lock Haven.
Born Aug. 31, 1933 in Williamsport, he was the son of the late Walter M. and Susan Tharp Cox.
Dr. Cox was a 1955 graduate of East Stroudsburg University where he obtained his B.S. degree in health and physical education.
He served active duty in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1956 and retired in 1985 from the USAR as a Colonel after over 32 years of service.
On Sept. 19, 1957 in California, he married Glenda G. Garrett, who preceded him in death on July 12, 2012.
He furthered his health and physical education degree by obtaining his M.S. degree from the University of Washington in 1960 and then his M.A. degree in elementary education from the California State University at Northridge in 1961. He concluded his education at the University of Washington where he obtained his EdD degree in curriculum and instruction.
Dr. Cox was an avid sports participator, coach and international advocate. He began his sports career at East Stroudsburg University where he was a three sport letterer between 1951 and 1955. In 1956 he represented the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team and was a finalist in both freestyle and Greco-Roman.
Although his accomplishments are unprecedented as an athlete, his true legacy lies in the impact he had following. He obtained a 225-94-6 record as a wrestling coach over his 25 year career, which concluded at Lock Haven University from 1970 to 1979. During his coaching career he coached 16 NAIA All-Americans, three Olympians, eight National Champions and numerous NCAA All-Americans. More recently Dr. Cox became involved in the LHU Boxing Club and was the team manager of the 1996 U.S. Olympic boxing team.
Following his tremendous coaching career, Dr. Cox was recognized by numerous organizations and institutions. He was inducted into several “Hall-of-Fame” clubs; including East Stroudsburg University in 1989, PA Wrestling Coaches in 1991, PA Sport Clinton County Chapter in 1993 and Lock Haven University in 1996. In addition, he received the St. Petersburg “Medal of Leningrad” in 1988, the New York Athletic Club “Sports Achievement Award” in 1995 and the “Rocky Marciano Champions Award” from the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing in 1996.
Dr. Cox took great pride in his academic achievements as well. As an LHU professor, he received the “Outstanding Professional Employee” award in 1990. He was selected to the “Who’s Who in American Education” in 1993 and the “Fellow of the International Biographical Association” from Cambridge, England in 1994. He authored over 500 journal articles for professional publications.
In addition to his wife, Dr. Cox is survived by five sons, Michael K. of Allentown, Richard M. of Orefield, David E. (Deanna) of Hanover, Dr. Lawrence G. (Brenda) of Lewisberry and Daniel J. (Amy) of Browns Summit, N.C.; a daughter, Deborah D. (Doug) Desmond of Clintondale; a brother, Laurence F. (Patricia) of Reading; 14 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; one foster granddaughter; seven foster great-grandchildren; and his “brother from another mother,” Ken (Sue) Cooper and their two sons, Andy and Tim, of Lock Haven.
A Celebration of Dr. Cox’s Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022 at 4 p.m. at the Salvation Army Church of Lock Haven, 119 East Church St., Lock Haven, PA 17745 with his son, Dr. Larry Cox, co-officiating along with Lieutenant Linda Stout.
Friends and family will be received at the church on Saturday for a time of viewing from 2 p.m. until the start of the service.
A meal will be provided at the church immediately following the service with private burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Ken & Glenda Cox Athletic Foundation, c/o Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, PA 17745.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com.
