Everett Cox

E. Eugene “Gene” Cox, 80, passed peacefully at Jane Phillips Hospital on February 8, 2021, following a brief illness.  Born in Bartlesville and raised in the Oak Park neighborhood, Gene graduated from College High School in 1958, where he excelled in academics.  He attended university at the Colorado School of Mines, graduating with a bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering.  He also received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from SUNY Buffalo, and an MBA from the University of Tulsa.

Following college, Gene began working for Westinghouse in 1962.  He lived and was later married in western New York.  He later accepted a job at National Zinc in order to return to Bartlesville in 1972, and he remained a resident of his hometown for the duration of his life.  An avid reader and card player, Gene especially enjoyed summers out at Sunset Lake with his parents and family.  He was also known to enjoy motorcycle riding throughout most of his life, and also took up welding as a hobby.  Gene was an avid collector of a wide assortment of gadgets and other sundries, and no visit to Grandpa’s house was complete without a trip to the garage in order to select a treasure or two to take home -- an established ritual that brought equal joy to both giver and recipient.

Besides enjoying success as an engineer, Gene was an entrepreneur, founding his own executive recruiting firm as well as independent insurance brokerage.  He was also the owner of a franchised ice cream store (Bresler's 33 Flavors) following the construction of Washington Park Mall in Bartlesville in 1984.  Gene was active for many years in his church and the Rotary Club.  After retirement, Gene enjoyed playing bridge and other card games at a local senior citizens’ center.

Gene is survived by his children, E. Darrin Cox (Kathi), of El Paso, Texas; David R. Cox, of San Francisco, California; Cheryl L. Redfearn (Kyle), of Grapevine, Texas; and Michael J. Cox (Alana), of Savannah, Georgia; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Sue Fleming (Bob), of Spring, Texas.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Everett and Betty Leola (Roe) Cox as well as his brother Jim.

Due to pandemic considerations, Gene's immediate family will hold a private graveside memorial in late March at Bartlesville's White Rose Cemetery, where his ashes will undergo interment nearby the gravesite of his parents.