Donald Francis Cox

Donald Francis Cox, age 77, of Biloxi, MS was born November 9, 1943 in Weymouth, MA. Don’s soul departed this earth on December 11, 2020 and began its journey to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Many family members preceded him in death, including: parents, John Sr. and Isabelle Cox; brothers, John Jr., Edward, James, and Bobby; sisters, Muriel, Beverly, Dorothy, Eleanor, and Barbara, all of the Boston, MA area. Don leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 25 years, Carol Cox; children, Michael (Nicole) Cox, East Peoria, IL, Brian Cox, Avon, MA, and Jennifer (Stephen) Manning, Avon, MA. Also his stepchildren, Scott Rubom, Beebe, AR, Deborah (Chuck) Broadus, Ocean Springs, MS, and Dawn (Johnie) Weems, Destin, FL; grandchildren, Savanna and Boston Cox, East Peoria, IL, Joseph and Sarah Manning, Avon, MA, and Ella, Luke, and Beckett Cox, Andover, MA, Brandy and Chris Rubom, Ocean Springs, MS, and Elizabeth Broadus, Ocean Springs, MS; two great-grandsons, Cortel and Carter Rubom, Ocean Springs, MS; and many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews in the Boston, Ma area. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged after 4 years of active duty and 2 years of reserve service. Don retired from Ingall’s Shipbuilding after 32 years. He was involved in several successful programs including: the reactivation of the battleships, Israeli Corvettes, LHA’S, and DDG’S. Don was an active member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Biloxi, MS where he was a Eucharist Minister and a Lector. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, recently a member of council 9409. Donald was the Grand Knight of councils 1605 and 11904 (Charter Member) and Faithful Navigator of assembly 561. His various State Knights of Columbus duties included: District Deputy of 12, Church Activities Chairman, Administrator of Supreme Headquarters Funds to be distributed after Hurricane Katrina and most recently Chairman of the Bishop R.O. Gerow Seminarian Program. Don’s fondest memories were being a part of the Hibernia Marching Society. He was Board Member for several years and twice President 1999 and 2008. Don was Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2002. Due to COVID 19, there will not be a period of visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church on December 17, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Biloxi National Cemetery (family only). The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cox family. In lieu of flowers, Don requested donations be made to the Knights of Columbus Bishop R.O. Gerow Fund, c/o Knights of Columbus Council 9409, P.O. Box 4366, Biloxi, MS 39535-4366.