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Merle Cox, Jr.'s family hold his dedication plaque and portrait during the dedication ceremony. Courtesy photo -
Family members stand in front of the sign dedicated to Merle Cox, Jr. Courtesy photo -
A bench was also dedicted to Merle Cox, Jr. Courtesy photo
Friends, colleagues, and family gathered Saturday, March 25 for a dedication of the day use area at Robber’s Cave State Park in Wilberton, Okla. The ceremony was in honor of Merle Cox Jr.
He was the late former long-time regional parks manager for the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. His wife, Debbie Cox, said in an interview that she is proud Merle is honoredinthisway.“Ialways thought Merle was a wonderful person and was a giver, so for someone to give back into his life in this way, it’s just awesome,” she told the McAlester News.
Cox Jr., 55, of Canadian, Okla. passed away on Monday, May 9, 2022, at the Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, Okla. He was born on October 29, 1966, in Madill, Okla. to Merle Homer Cox Sr. and Barbara Ethel Vick Cox. He grew up in Madill, graduating from Madill High School in 1984 and later attended Southeastern State University where he graduated in 1995. He married Debora Marline Bradbury on September 25, 1992, in Madill.
Cox, Jr. went to work for the Lake Texoma Lodge in 1998 as a bellboy before quickly being promoted to Sales Director later that year while working his way up to management before Oklahoma’s park department closed the lodge in 2006. Cox, Jr. later became assistant manager at Robber’s Cave State Park in Wilberton and promoted to park manager within the year. C He served as the park manager for six years before becoming the regional manager overseeing dozens of golf courses and parks in southern Oklahoma.
Debbie said in her interview that Merle prioritized hiring great people and loved being a mentor. She was also touched to see all the people who cared about him.
“It’s just a blessing to see the people, to hear the stories,” Debbie said in the interview. “It’s a blessing, I’m blown away.”