Richard Thomas Cox

Richard Thomas Cox was born to H.H. and Gracie Braucht Cox on August 18th, 1928, and passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, March 24th, 2023. He was raised on the family farm, south of Watonga and attended Watonga public Schools, graduating in 1948. In high school, he was active in FFA and was a star football player.

After graduation, he attended Oklahoma City University and joined the U.S. Marine Corps, eventually achieving the rank of corporal.

Richard completed his college education at Oklahoma A&M, obtaining a degree in Agronomy, while also a member of their nationally ranked crop judging team.

Richard married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Matli, in January 1953. After graduation, he accepted a position with the US Dept of Agriculture Grain Division in Ogden, UT, then later Beltsville, MD research center and Spokane, WA.

In the early 1960's, Richard and Bonnie returned to Watonga to farm with family.

They built a farm north of Watonga, where they continued to farm and raise three children.

Richard was a member of the Blaine County Fair Board which was instrumental in improving the facilities and directing the local and county livestock shows for several years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman as well as a devoted husband and father.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers, 4 sisters; Agnes, Lula, Lorene and Grace, and three brothers; Kenneth, Keith and Sam.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie and children , Dr. Karen Cox (John) Haymaker, Hennessey, OK; Dr. Tom (Theresa) Cox, Weatherford, OK and Judee (Ron) Dysart, Tulsa, OK , 10 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren as well as his beloved rottweilers-Ofie and Ehrinn.

The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to Russell-Murray hospice; especially Jordan, Kristin and April , as well as to Caring@Home and Mia Samad.

Graveside services for Richard will be held Monday, March 27, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery with Chaplain Dennis King officiating and Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga, OK handling the arrangements.