Ward C. Cox

Ward was preceded in death by his wife Mary, who passed in 2022. He is survived by his three sons, Donald (Julie), David (Denise) and Daniel (Gina), seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Ward was born on October 14th, 1940, in Waukegan, IL, to his late parents James and Thelma Cox. Ward was the oldest of two children; his sister Valerie Grau passed in 2018.

Growing up in Waukegan, Ward attended the public school system, graduating from Waukegan High School in 1958. Ward’s mother Thelma was a professional pianist. Following in his mother’s musical footsteps, Ward began playing the trombone in 3rd grade. He became an accomplished trombonist and played in numerous bands during his time in grade school and high school. Ward’s sons Donald and David also took up the trombone and together Ward, Donald and David made up a large portion of the trombone section in the Round Lake Community Band during the1970’s and 80’s.

Ward was employed by Outboard Marine Corporation and worked as a technician in the engineering department. In the 1960’s, the company formed a factory boat racing team of which Ward was one of the first members. Ward assembled race engines and gear cases, rigged the race boats and traveled the country and Europe to many boat racing events where he provided technical support for the OMC factory boats. After a long and eventful career, Ward retired from Outboard Marine Corporation in 1995.

After retirement, Ward and Mary enjoyed traveling the United States.They also had a restored 1953 Ford and attended local car show events where they met many close friends.

Ward relished his time with family and friends. He had a witty sense of humor and a warm smile. He will be sadly missed by his three sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many, many friends.

Services for Ward will be private.