Martin E. Cox

                     Martin Eugene Cox, age 83, of Park Rapids, MN passed away Friday, March 24th, 2017 surrounded by his loved ones at the Care Age Country Home near Park Rapids .             Martin was born August 29, 1933 to James and Vera (Martin) Cox in Hewitt, MN.  He attended school on Park Rapids and graduated in 1952.  Martin worked for the Forestry Department and in January 1954 he entered the United States Army.  His tour of duty included eight weeks of basic training at Camp Chaffee, AR. and a second advanced eight weeks of training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.  He was then given orders to go to Korea for a year.  His remaining time was spent at Fort Belvoir, VA., where he received his honorable discharge on January 20, 1956.  Martin was a longtime member of the American Legion.  In January 1956 Martin attended Bemidji State University and earned a degree in Elementary Education and Industrial Arts.  He then began his teaching career and taught for thirty-two years in the Park Rapids school district.  On June 2, 1956 Martin was united in marriage to Billie May.  Their marriage was blessed with one daughter, Brenda.  Martin was a longtime active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he served as treasurer, summer school teacher and steward.  He was an avid sports fan and as a young man enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He also liked playing billiards, throwing horse shoes, ping pong, playing cards and casinos.  His greatest joy was the time he spent with his family, especially his grandkids.              Martin is survived by one daughter, Brenda (David) Gilbertson of Centennial, CO, two grandchildren: Eric and Katelynn of Centennial; one sister, Jeannie (Dale) Sorenson of Two Harbors, MN; sisters in law: Alice (Arnie) Samuelson, Claudia (Gary) Vik, Karen (Mike) Freeman; brothers in law: Bruce and Chris May,  Jim and Nancy May, Cliff and Gwen May, Gary and Ilea May, Larry and Rilla May and Tom and Sandi May.              He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Billie; one brother, Clayton; brothers in law: Don May, Gordon Teigen, Robert Hinkley and Ben Pickett; sisters in law: Carol May, Marilyn Pickett and Betty Tiegen.             Funeral services will be held  1 PM Tuesday, March 28, 2017at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with Pastor James Neubauer officiating.  Sarah Kaufenberg will be the organist and David Vik will sing the “Lord’s Prayer” Congregational hymns will be “On Eagles Wings” “Amazing Grace” and “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”.  Casket bearers will be Erv Ophus, Dick Longtine, Ron Oberstar, Rod Helgren, Arnie Samuelson and Gary Vik.  Honorary casket bearers will be members of the Star of the North Marine Corps League, who will also be providing the military honors.  Interment will be made at Lemon Cemetery in Badoura, MN.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Monday evening, March 27 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and will continue on Tuesday beginning one hour prior to the service at the church.  To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com.