Melvin "Mel" Cox was born June 24, 1946 to Harry and Margaret Cox in Winona, Minnesota. He attended St. Charles High School in St. Charles, Minnesota. Mel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965. His years of service included overseas tours in Vietnam and he earned the National Defense, Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign medals, as well as an Expert Rifle Badge.
Mel was an avid collector and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was often working with his hands: fixing up old cars and assisting family, friends and neighbors with home improvement projects. Mel was a loving and devoted father and would do anything to help his children: he ended every conversation with, "Call if you need anything." He is survived by two of his brothers, Myron Cox and Mike Cox; his children and children-in-law Jacob Cox (Marge) and Merilee Pike (Brad); and a grandchild, Abigail Pike.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mel can be made to the Arizona Humane Society.