Madison "Matt" Cox

Mr. Madison George "Matt" Cox, age 82, of Ocean Springs, MS., passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2006, at Herman Memorial Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas. Mr. Cox was born on December 14, 1923, on Point Cadet, in Biloxi, MS. He graduated from Biloxi High School and married his wife of 63 years, Annette, in 1943, and they made their home in Ocean Springs. Mr. Cox retired from a lifetime career in law enforcement in 1985. During his career he served as Chief Deputy Sheriff of Jackson County for several years and Chief of Police of Ocean Springs for nine years. He also served as Alderman of Ward 2 in Ocean Springs from 1981-1985. Mr. Cox's life was devoted to service to others. He was honored throughout his life with numerous awards that included, Distinguished Service Award by the United States Jaycees in 1958, Outstanding Young Man of the Year by the Ocean Springs Jaycees in 1959, Ocean Springs Jaycees Boss of the Year in 1974, President of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Association in 1979-1980, and Vice President of the Missisippi Association of Chiefs of Police in 1975. He was a member of the Ocean Springs Masonic Lodge #424, the Mississippi Scottish Rite and the Mississippi Shriners Association. He was also active in the Merry Makers Club of Ocean Springs and reigned as King. Mr. Coxs' greatest source of pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his wife, Annette, two daughters, Jo Ann Crimm and husband, Harlon, and Gay Crosby and husband, Mickey, a son, Dean Cox and wife, Glenda, grandchildren, Jeff Crimm and wife, Kristi, Sherry Cousins and husband, Bill, Dean Cox, Jr. and wife, Heather, Ashley Estapa and husband, Chris, Haley Crosby and Tate Crosby, and great-grandchildren, Madison, Hannah, Eli and Samantha. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 14, 2006, from 6-8 PM, at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. On Wednesday, March 15, 2006, there will be a 10 AM church service at the First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs, where friends may call from 9-10 AM. Burial will follow in Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.