Charles Edward Cox Jr.
Charles Edward “Ed” Cox Jr., of Sparta, was called home to the Lord on December 1, 2022, at the age of 68, while surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on February 1, 1954, in Washington, to the late Bonnie and Charles E. Cox Sr.
He graduated from Trinity High School and played soccer and wrestled. Ed was a veteran of the US Army, stationed in West Germany during Vietnam. He attended the Pennsylvania Gunsmithing School and owned a gunsmith shop in Washington. Later he was employed as a mould maker and a machinist at Ross Mould until retirement.
Truly an outdoorsman, Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and gardening. Ed was a master flint knapper and diligent woodworker. He created a self-sustaining pioneer lifestyle while utilizing indigenous methods. He set up teepee demonstrations for students to expose them to new cultures. Being in nature was truly his essence.
On April 18, 2021, he married Mary Smith, and together they have an adoring son, Cole “Beau”. Also surviving are a son, Matthew (Keri) Cox of Mars; a daughter, Angela (Frank) Eberhart of Washington; six beautiful grandchildren, Brianna, Nathan, Nicholas, Vivian, Grant, and Vera; a younger sister, Donna Callihan of Arkansas; nieces and nephews; and many close friends and neighbors. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Jo; two brothers, Robert and Donald Cox; and a grandson, Slade Cox.
The viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, December 4 and Monday, December 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at William G. Neal Funeral Home, 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A 1 p.m. service will follow Monday’s viewing at the funeral home. Interment at a later date.
Additional information and guestbook are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.