Howard Cox

Howard J. Cox

Age 87 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Monday, August 24, 2009.

Howard was born in Wilmington, raised in Joliet, and was a 1940 graduate of JTHS. He served 3 years in India as an MP with the U.S. Army in WW II, and returned to government service at the Joliet Arsenal, from where he retired after 30 years, as post engineer. With over 50 years of service as usher at St Rose Church, Howard also served at various times as President of the Holy Name Society, St. Rose Parish Council, the VFW Post, Wilmington Historical Society and the Lions Club, as well as served on the Library Board. He was an avid reader, hunter, gourmet cook, gardener and fisherman.

Survivors include two sons: Kevin and wife Robin (Burich) and Whitney Cox; one grandaughter Jennifer and numerous nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his loving wife Marjorie (Howerton); parents: Arthur and Kathryn Howard-Cox, and sisters and brothers-in-law, Margaret and Donald Lewison and Dorothy and Robert Prange.

Visitation will be held on Thursday August 27, 2009 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington.

Funeral services will follow on Friday August 28th at 10:00AM in Saint Rose Catholic Church, 624 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Steve Bondi and Deacon Don Dyer officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Howard's memory to Kuzma Care Cottage.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-7621)