|
John L. Cox, of Midland, passed away Friday, July 11, 2003, after a long illness related to a stroke. He was born January 11, 1925, in Burkburnett, to Fred H. and Mary Scott Cox.
Cox is credited with being a major influence in the development of drilling and completion expertise that has made the Spraberry Trend a productive mainstay in the Permian Basin for over half a century. Since 1952, he drilled more than 2,500 wells in West Texas, South Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming and North Dakota with offices in Midland, Big Lake and Oklahoma City.
A graduate of Junction High School in 1942, Rice University in 1945, and Columbia Midshipman School, he served in the U.S. Navy as an Ensign and after World War II he began his career in the Permian Basin for Stanolind Oil and Gas in Wink. He later became an employee of Ted Weiner in Midland until 1952 and remained active managing his own oil operation until the onset of his illness in 1998. His favorite pastimes were supporting Rice athletic activities and playing golf. He is a past director of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA).
Cox served on the Board of Governors at Rice for a decade and as a trustee from 1982 to 1994. He received the gold medal from the Rice Alumni Association in 1985 and the High Flight Award from the Rice Athletic Department. In 1994, he was awarded both the Distinguished Owl and the Distinguished "R" Person.
He was selected to be the 16th recipient of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association’s Top Hand Award in 1995 and was inducted into the All-American Wildcatters Organization in 1996. In 1998, he was selected honoree of the Permian Basin Oil Show because of his longtime contribution to the oil industry. He served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Scott and White Foundation.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maurine Treadwell Cox; two children, Kelly Cox and wife, Lynn, and Carolyn Cox; five grandchildren, Ashley, Danielle and Elizabeth Cox, and Jaden and Derrick Berry; one sister, Freddie Ashby, and one brother James R Cox.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 14, at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Jerry Hilton and Dr. Ray Riddle officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland.
Memorials may be directed to the charity of one's choice.