Mr. Walter Lee Cox, Sr.

Walter Lee Cox, Sr., was born October 10, 1925 to Walter Cox and Eclar Knuckles Cox in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the oldest of two children; his brother Mandel preceding him in death. He married Ernestine Gay on June 6, 1947 who preceded him in death. To this union five children were born. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, brother in law, uncle, father in law, grandfather, great grandfather and a faithful friend in need.

He was educated in the Cleveland Public Schools and served honorably as a staff sergeant in the United States Army Infantry during World War II. He loved socializing with family and enjoyed gardening, photography, classical music and reading historical materials and biographies.

He worked at Reliance Electric for 25 years, managed the Cuyahoga County Census Bureau in Cleveland, Ohio, worked as a Public Relations Officer of Minority Affairs, ODOT District 12 and served as Personal Bailiff to the late Honorable Judge Charles W. Fleming in the Cleveland Municipal Courts until his retirement on January 28, 1994

He was a respected mentor to many and a dedicated public servant.

He made a commitment throughout his life to make a positive difference in the lives of those faced with adversities and injustice. He was a volunteer with the

Big Brother/Big Sisters Organization of Greater Cleveland and was recognized and awarded “Big Brother of the Year.”

His love of politics afforded him the title “a natural master politician” by his peers. His contribution to politics and his life’s works was always behind the scene, managing his own credibility and integrity and succeeding at it.

His impact on public service is traced back to his early experiences garnered as Ward Leader in old Ward 28 where he knew all of the precinct committeemen and was dubbed “God Father” of democratic politics. Many elected officials and political candidates both locally and state-wide consulted with him and valued his opinions. On his retirement day from Cleveland Municipal Courts on January 28, 1994, the late Vernon Riffe, Speaker of the House of Representatives presented him with a state house flag flown from the Capital in Columbus, Ohio and declared this day “Walter L. Cox Day.”

Throughout his political endeavors, he served as regional Campaign Manager for late Hubert Humphrey’s Presidential Race, resulting in Humphrey receiving overwhelmingly more votes in the 21st Congressional District than any other district in the United States. On many occasions, he engineered victories rating in the 90% range for several Cleveland City Council candidates.

Recently, Brent Larkin editorial contributor for the Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote an article acknowledging his keen political insight and contributions towards the success of many prominent public officials.

He leaves to mourn his children; Walter Lee Cox Jr. (Carol), Michael E. Cox (Karen), Duane E. Cox (Jacqueline), Clay E. Cox and Carolle V. Cox. Grandchildren; Michael Cox Jr., (Mandi), Clarrise Cox Willis (James), Duane Cox, Jr. (Sheena), Aisha Cox, Christine Evans, Charise Cox and Mathew Cox (Latrice),seven great grandchildren, a caring companion and a host of relatives and loving friends.