Michael "Mike" Perry Cox

Michael “Mike” Perry Cox, 74 of Sullivan drove off into his final sunset on Monday, April 15, 2024 at Sullivan County Community Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Mike’s journey in life began on December 29, 1949. He was the son of the late Perry and June McCammon Cox. Mike was a member of the 1968 graduating class of Sullivan High School.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Charlene Bonham Cox whom he married on February 3, 1980. 

After graduation Mike had various occupations, including construction alongside his Dad,  Sullivan City dog catcher and Jim Bob Kellams, Glass Company. He was a well decorated Fireman for the City of Sullivan. He held the rank of  Fire Chief when the Sullivan Square explosion happened. He was the recipient  the Silver Badge Award in 1980 and in May of 1990 he was credited for saving the life of a small child. In 1991 he was endorsed by the American Legion Post #139 for Fireman of The Year for the State of Indiana. The fire department also forged a close lifetime friendship with his partner, the late Tom Handford. Tom and Mike always knew that the other one had their back at a scene. They both spent many evenings sitting in the chairs in front of the old fire department enjoying the summer evening and solving the world's problems. Mike was always a jokester and loved to aggravate people as a sport that he was well known for as a child and adult. He was known for his mischievous grin and laughter. After retirement he found a new passion for classic cars.  At one point he had a collection of 16 cars that he proudly cared for.  He was a member of The Sullivan County Shifters Club and enjoyed showing cars and visiting with other car enthusiasts. One of the highlights of his life was racing on the Bristol Motor Speedway track. Mike was a jack of all trades, but first and foremost he was a loving family man. He cherished nothing more than time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His grandchildren lovingly named him Pap. His passing will leave a huge void in his family. The legacy and love he left for them to cherish will live on in the hearts of each of them forever.

He is preceded by his parents.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Charlene Cox; children, Melissa Schuettler (Tom), Charity Arnold (Quinten), Mike  Cox (Misti) and Matt Cox (Sam); brother, Bill Cox (Donna); granddaughters, Anna Billingsley, Kyra Cox, Allana Chamness and Millie Mae Cox; grandsons, Jake Veach, Jack Veach, Alex Billingsley, Dalton Thompson, Paxton Cox, Keegan Cox, Mattox Cox, Brodie Jensen, William Colborn and Nolan Cox; great-grandchildren, Jemma and Jagger Veach.

Friends and family may pay their respects on Saturday.  April 20, 2024 from 11:00 am. until time of service at 1:00 pm. at Holmes Memorial Chapel with Pastor Steve Hollis officiating, along with a FireFighters Memorial service. Burial will follow at Center Ridge Cemetery.

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