Obituary of Leslie Wayne Cox

Leslie Wayne Cox was born July 25, 1948, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to H. Wayne and Doris (Keane) Cox and was the oldest of three siblings. Exploring the downtown buildings, playing and listening to music, and playing baseball filled his childhood years. Les graduated from Bartlesville College High in 1966 and a year later, after receiving his draft notice, enlisted in the Air Force. He was trained in avionics maintenance and posted to Thailand. After leaving the military, Les attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M for two years and then completed his degree in 1974 at Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. At NSU, Les majored in accounting and played on the soccer team. It was there that Les met the love of his life, Marilyn Smith. Les and Marilyn were married shortly after his graduation in 1975, and two years later they moved to Tulsa. In 1986 Meredith was born. Austin followed in 1989. Les immediately embraced fatherhood and stayed home with baby Meredith for several months after Marilyn returned to work. Throughout Meredith’s and Austin’s childhood, Les created memories with the kids: going to the treat store, renting movies, and playing games. Les played softball and soccer for several years after moving to Tulsa then tennis and racquetball. When Austin played sports, Les was his biggest supporter. Austin and Les had a mutual love for talking about all things sports which included nonstop commentary while watching games on television. And Les was a fisherman. A favorite fishing spot was “Roxie and Joe’s Pond” in Bristow where Les often took friends and family to fish. Suspended in the shade of a giant oak tree overlooking the pond was a two-person swing. It was a great place for watching the kids play and ride ponies. Music was a second language for Les - he enjoyed listening to music, keeping up with new bands, and supporting Austin’s love of playing music. When Austin played guitar in various bands, Les was a “roadie.” Les’s love of music all came together in one proud moment when Austin played on the stage of Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa landmark, in the Battle of the Bands competition. With Meredith, Les shared a love of knowledge, trivia, word play, and humor. The energy of their banter would fill a room; Jeopardy was a priority; and with the advent of Wordle, scores and strategies provided daily contact (and competition) between Meredith and Les. When the grandchildren were born, Les was thrilled to have two more kids - so many books to read and games to play! Throughout his career, Les worked in various jobs related to oil and gas and manufacturing. The last 20 years of his career he worked for Vanco Engineering (later Cogent). Les retired in 2018 and dedicated his time to caring for his family and meticulously maintaining his house and lawn. On February 14, 2023, Les died unexpectedly of an abdominal aneurysm. Les was witty, generous, and wickedly intelligent. He was one of the kindest people. While in the hospital during the final weeks of his life, he was a favorite patient as he was always gracious and grateful for everything the hospital staff did for him. He is preceded in death by his son Austin Wayne Cox, his parents, and his stepmother Emma Lou Cox. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his daughter Meredith Cox and her husband Ismail Fahmi of Tulsa, brother Stephen R. Cox and his wife Pamela of New Mexico, sister Carol Cox Stewart and her husband John S. of Florida, and two grandchildren Madinah and Ilyas.