Stanley Cox

Stan grew up as the second youngest of 6 siblings and defeated the odds from an early age. He stood out in his early years from his height and grit to win. Stan grew up in North Toledo, later moving to a farm on Alexis Road in Sylvania, breaking horses and earning his keep. Losing his mother at the age of 14, he fought against the odds and pushed himself to success in Sylvania schools while winning the the heart of his future wife in 8th grade.

Never given a middle name, he certainly earned one for himself on the basketball court. Stan set records at Sylvania and was later inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. Using his talents to support his family, he earned a scholarship to play basketball for Tennessee Tech. He traveled South with his young wife, Jenise and shortly thereafter, welcomed their son, "Stanley" Christopher. After cementing a solid position on the team during his freshman year, his commitment grew to completing school and providing a solid foundation for his family. He completed his degree at Tennessee Tech after three years and welcomed his second child, Jacob Nathaniel, before returning to the Toledo area.

Stan used his college degree as a stepping stone to support his family and impact many people’s lives. Stan coached basketball and supervised the OWA program in Maumee, where he began to give back to young people by helping them into their path in the workforce. He jumped at the opportunity to pursue his career and moved his family, along with daughter, Sarah Abigail, to Bryan, where he became the Assistant Principal of the High School. This move allowed him to work with many students and staff members. He blossomed in the role and moved through many positions over the years as Principal and eventually the Supervisor of Support Services - which he referred to as "beans, busses and buildings." He was so proud of his job and being able to connect with the infrastructure that supported the Bryan City Schools. He has later received letters from students who thanked him for chasing him down the hall and ultimately setting them straight on their path in life. Numerous teachers and administrators thanked him for seeing their potential and hiring them to start their careers. Stan saw potential in others and told them - convincing them to believe in themselves.

Stan touched many people, even more so at the end of his life, as God touched Stan. He was a living, breathing testimony of the strength and grace of Jesus. At UTMC and the Rehab Hospital of NWO - Stan was like the "mayor." After his stroke, he learned to walk and use his body again, ultimately moonwalking out of rehab under a shower of confetti and tears. At each treatment visit, everyone stopped and greeted him and his booming voice singing Johnny Cash songs is still echoing in the halls and hearts of staff.

Nothing was more important to Stan than his family. His love for his children, their spouses and his eight grandchildren are evident in the joy of his face in pictures. We know he wanted to encourage them too and did his best to attend school and athletic events for as long as he was able. His presence is and will always be felt at Little Long Lake where he spent the last week of his life in his new home. His family will continue to reside there on their lake properties, where he was the groundskeeper and COO after his retirement from the schools.

At Zion Missionary Church in Fremont, Stan truly demonstrated God's strength and faith. He shared his personal testimony which impacted his friends and the congregation, and encouraged others from the lake into regular attendance. Stan's catch phrase in his final chapters will forever encourage all of us — "GIG." God is Good. And he will never be forgotten, "For Sure."

A part of Stan will always be with us — his wife of 48 years, Jenise (Jacoby) Cox, loving children and grandchildren; Chris and Karyn (Lilly) Cox with Ethan, Evan and Lilly. Jake and Jill (Sanderson) Cox with Gabriella, Camilla and Caroline. Joel and Sarah (Cox) Helbig with Grant and Samuel. Stan's siblings; Jim, Jerry, Linda, Christine and Raymond.

Stan was welcomed in heaven with open arms by Jesus, his Mother (Grace) and Father (Earthel Cox). His mother who was ultimately his caretaker, was his mother-in-law, Margaret Jacoby who is surely preparing him a heavenly feast, alongside his father-in-law, Mark.

A visitation will be held at the Bryan Arts and Education Center Auditorium, 325 W. High St., Bryan, OH, on Thursday October the18th from 4 pm until 8 pm, with a memorial service from 8 pm until 9 pm. Visitation at Stan's home church, Zion Missionary, 205 N. Ray Road, in Fremont, IN, will be held on Saturday the 20th from 11 am until 1 pm with a funeral service to begin at 1 pm, followed by laying his earthly body to rest in the Covenanter Cemetery near Clear Lake.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to Cameron Hospice, 416 E. Maumee Street, Angola, Indiana 46703 or to the Grace Cox and Betty Lou Moose Scholarship Fund, payable to the Henry County Foundation.