Joe Floyd Cox's Obituary
Joseph Floyd Cox (Joe) passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on May 13th, 2026.
Joe was born to Floyd and Mary Burnside-Cox just west of Welch on March 8, 1945. He attended Welch Public Schools, graduating in 1963. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, 1st Cavalry Division from 1965-1967, boots on the ground in Vietnam, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Joe married his soul-mate Diane Hale of Roff, OK, on August 1st, 1969. Together, they began the journey of growing our large, close-knit family.
Many will remember Joe as a mischievous country boy. He sometimes joked that half of Welch thought he would kill himself before he was 21, and the other half hoped he would! Joe found pleasure in the simple things in life. Joe Cox was who he was, and he made no attempt to be anything different. He was pretty much unfazed by what others thought of him. He had a great sense of humor and loved a good-natured argument. A cherished and active member of his home community in Welch, he spent his life as a devoted husband, cattleman, and member of the Welch Christian Church.
His family, however, will remember him as relentlessly tinkering on his antique tractors, as a onery Papa Joe with pliers at the ready to pull teeth or ticks when the moment called, as a steadfast pillar of our rearings. We'll reminisce on his innate ability to remain calm and collected as his family wrought all kinds of chaos, the smell of chew tobacco and motor oil that clung to him, and his stubborn character, which he (probably intentionally) bestowed upon us all, Papa Joe was not only our treasured father and Papa, but our role model as we learned to navigate this world.
He loved his family deeply, and we are thankful to say that we were able to honor his last wishes. He passed amongst the home he built for all of us in the beautiful green of this rainy spring.
Joe is survived by a whole swath of loved ones. His wife Diane. His children: Shanna Earp , (Scott) of Quapaw, Sandi Martin, (Jason) of Afton. Cody Cox of OKC. Grandchildren: Macee Langley; Josie Chrz (Kolby); Abigail Woods; Jaycie Martin; Ty (Megan), Taryn, and Acen Earp; and Hayes Earp. Great grandchildren, Jasper and Brynlee Langley; Dallee Parrish; Kolbie Tylin, Lindie and Jennings Chrz; and Hayes Earp. Sister, Ruth Ann Branam. Brother, Roy Cox. As well as many nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded by both his parents and precious grandson-Justin Tyler Berry.
Honorary Pallbearers:
-Son, son-in laws, and grandsons
-Brother, Brother-in-laws, and nephews
-Cousins
-Brothers in Christ of Welch Christian Church
-Whether you were an old friend or a new friend, consider yourself a pallbearer for Joe. There is no way to list all of those valued friendships.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Welch Christian Church.
Thank you,
The family of Joe and Diane Cox
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