Don Cox

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband and father, Donald Erwin Cox, Jr. on April 6, 2025, at the age of 73. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and strength.

Donald was born on December 2, 1951 in East Chicago, IN, where he spent his early years surrounded by his family. He graduated from Highland High School, where he played football and formed friendships that would help shape his later life. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, while working at Inland Steel.

Throughout his life, Don was a man of integrity, dedication, hard work and strength. He had a successful career with Inland Steel, Mittal Steel and Arcelor Mittal over the course of 39 years. He started his career in the early 1970’s in the 2 Coke Chemical Department, and then moved onto 3 Coke in the Coal Handling area as a supervisor. In 1977, he was employed as the Assistant General Foreman in the 2 Coke Coal Chemical department. In 1979, he became the General Foreman in the 2 Coal Chemical area. By 1982, he was moved to the #11 Battery Coal Chemical area as the Section Manager. In 1986, he was promoted to Section Manager of Operations for the #11 Coke Battery.

In 1992, he advanced to the 2 Blast Furnace as the Section Manager of Raw Materials & Sinter Plant, where he remained until the early 2000’s when he transitioned to special project roles. He retired on May 1, 2011, ready to spend time with his family and friends.

He was well-known for his strong work ethic, intelligence, and the respect he gained among his colleagues.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a loving husband and father who opened his home to everyone, creating lasting memories with those around him. He raised his children with care and a deep sense of responsibility, always offering advice, encouragement, and a listening ear. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, friends and neighbors. He enjoyed a productive Saturday in his garage, washing and waxing his cars while watching the day’s lineup of sports on television. He had a deep love for watching college and professional sports. He rarely missed a baseball, basketball, football game or car race.

Donald is survived by his wife of 37 years, Joanne Cox; his children, Timothy (Elizabeth) Mantel and Megan (Jim) Waters; and loving grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Donna (Earl) Schreiber, Nancy (late Jim) Kaczka, Ronald (Renee) Cox, and Dennis Cox; his uncle, Robert (Karin) Reickhoff; brother-in-law, Chris (Kathleen) Hora; and many caring and loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Donald E. Cox and Merle Cox; his brother-in-law, Jim Kaczka; his mother-in-law, Ann Hora; and his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and David Marshall.

The family would like to give special recognition to Donald’s cousin, Valerie MacCartney, for all the love, support and compassion she has given to Donald and Joanne throughout the last few years.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307.

We will miss his humor, love and hugs, but we find comfort knowing he is at peace. His legacy will continue to live on through the memories, countless lives he touched and the love he shared with us.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Cox family.