Walter L. Cox, 90, of Amarillo, Texas, died Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011.
He was born on Dec. 29, 1920, in Iola. He had lived in Amarillo since 1957. He retired from Phillips Petroleum Company as regional manager of the Gas and Gas Liquids Department in 1983 after 35 years of service. He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a battery commander in the 87th Division Artillery. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals and several other service medals.
He was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Amarillo Country Club and several industry organizations. He was instrumental in the founding of St. Peter’s Episcopal in 1957 and was the last surviving member of the original Bishop’s Committee. He served as the first Sunday school superintendent at St. Peter’s.
He graduated from the University of Kansas and Institute of Gas Technology.
He married Donna Parsons in 1948 in McCune. They lived in Bartlesville, Okla., until their move to Amarillo in 1957.
Survivors include his wife, Donna; two sons, Walter L. III and his wife, Judy, Birmingham, Ala., Donald R. and his wife, Becky, Austin, Texas; and a daughter, Kathryn VanDeusen and her husband, Kevin, Lubbock, Texas; four grandchildren, Christopher VanDeusen and his wife Angela, Clear Lake, Iowa, Kelli Haxel and her husband, Josh, Dallas, Texas, and Caroline Cox and William Cox, Austin; a sister, Laurilla Crispell, Emporia; and one great-granddaughter, Alexis VanDeusen.
Memorial services were Oct. 13. Interment was in St. Peter’s Columbarium.
The family suggests memorials to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 4714 N.W. 4th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79116; or to a favorite charity.
Walter Cox
