Leland Merle Cox

Leland was born on 19 Sep 1933 in Groesbeck, Limestone County, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father Samuel Henry Cox and his mother Lucy Ronell Johnson Cox Sanders. Leland was graduated from Groesbeck High School in 1952 where he had enjoyed his participation in the Groesbeck High School Band playing both the trumpet and tuba. He attended Texas A and M College and participated in the Freshmen Band from 1952 to 1953. He transferred to Sam Houston State Teachers College where he attained a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1958. Leland served in the U.S. Army receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1961. He attended East Texas State University where he received a Masters Degree in 1973. In 1983, he received his Doctor of Education Degree also from East Texas State University.

On October 31, 1962 Leland married Isle O’Dawn Karl Weaver. She brought to this marriage a daughter, Deborah (Debbie) Kathlynn whom Leland adopted. From this union he has two daughters: Rebecca Leanne Cox and Gillian Alice Cox.

Leland was employed by Pacific Fidelity Life in Dallas, TX and later in Los Angeles, CA where he was a District Manager. He and his family decided to come back to Dallas where he taught school in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). He also developed and was the Principal of the DISD Out-Of-School Youth CO-OP, an educational program offered during the evening to working students. During this time Leland became an avid tennis player . . . a sport he enjoyed for many years.

In 1976, Leland came to New Braunfels to serve as Vocational Director for the New Braunfels Independent School District (NBISD). He worked in that capacity as well as directing other NBISD programs until he retired in 1995. He was also active in community affairs as a member of the Lions Club and he was a New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Blue Coat. In 1983, Leland and Jesse Garcia served as Co-Chairmen of the Comal County Community Fund.

On April 13, 1979 Leland married Fredericka (Fritzie) Champion Turner. She brought to the marriage a daughter, Kimberly Ellen Turner and a son, John Frederick Turner.

Leland was diagnosed in 2000 with Alzheimer’s disease. He handled it with grace and his smile never disappeared. He resided at Eden Home from September 2010 until his death on July 19, 2013. Leland was a member of Dayspring Christian Fellowship in New Braunfels, TX.

He is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Fritzie, his daughters, Debbie Cox Ables (Dwayne) of Mascoutah, IL, Rebecca Cox Grier (Walter) of New Braunfels, TX and Gillian Cox Carr (Johnee) of Spring Branch, TX and by his stepdaughter, Kimberly Valco (Mike) of San Antonio, TX and stepson, John Turner (Gracie) of New Braunfels, TX. Also fondly remembering him are fourteen grandchildren, Melissa Alice Ables Clark, Bryan Allen Ables, Kathy Ann Bell-Mabie, Jennifer Dawn Grier Davis, Erica Kay Grier Cook, Ryan Lee Grier, Kaylee Ann and Philip Justin Carr, Hannah Elizabeth, Julia Erin, Sophia Grace, and Lillie Marie Turner, Micaela Ellen and Megan Renee Valco and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 24, 2013 from 5 pm until 7 pm at Zoeller Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 10:30 am at Dayspring Christian Fellowship Church. A procession will leave the church at 12:45 pm Thursday for a 1:30 graveside service at Sunset Memorial Park in San Antonio.