Willis Morrison Cox

Although a descendant of Saratoga pioneers (William and Dicey Cox), Willis was born in Torrance, California, on July 26, 1930, to Willis and Ethel Cox. His family moved back to the Santa Clara Valley before his first birthday, and Will frequently told stories of working on the Cox Ranch, plus hunting and fishing with his brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He graduated from San Jose High School, where he was active in sports, played in the orchestra, and developed a lifelong passion for running. After serving in the Army Corp of Engineers in the Korean War and graduating from San Jose Community College, Will worked for Litton Industries and Varian Associates for 42 years.

Will married the love of his life, Darlene Cox, on December 27, 1951, and they enjoyed 62 years together. Will loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing sports with his children, grandchildren, and their friends, and he was deeply involved as they learned at school, church, Boy Scouts, Little League, and the fishing hole.

He participated at Trinity Presbyterian Church as a deacon, elder, usher, youth group leader, Steven’s minister, and member of the choir and bell choir. After he retired, he joined Abundant Life Assembly of God where he became head usher and went on two missionary trips to Africa.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Jon and his wife Donna Cox, Janice Gomez, and Jeff Cox. Also, his grandchildren, Chris and his wife Diana Thiessen, Wanda and her husband Martin Dowd, Michael Cox and his wife Meggyn Watkins, Jeremy Gomez; and his great grandchildren, Shawn and Victoria Thiessen. Also, several nieces and nephews, other special family members, and many friends.

Please join us to celebrate Will’s life on Friday, August 6th, at 10:00 AM at Trinity Presbyterian Church (3151 Union Avenue, San Jose). A graveside memorial service will follow at 1:00 PM at Oak Hill Memorial Park (300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose). For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed at facebook.com/sjtrinity