Michael Cox
Bunker Hill |
Michael L. “Mike” Cox, 79, of Bunker Hill, passed away on August 23, 2024, while surrounded by his family at Barnes Jewish Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents Raleigh and Opal Cox; sisters Helen (Carl) Douglas, Juanita (Dean) Reeves, and Jean (Leto) Metz. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Phylis Marie (Burden) Cox; two daughters, Kristine Wylie (Todd) of Glen Carbon, IL and Amy Blue (Lisa) of Gluckstadt, MS; grandson, Jacob Wylie of Glen Carbon, IL; numerous nieces and nephews; and a beloved dog, Holly, who wandered up to his doorstop one Christmas Eve and became an instant member of the family. He leaves his friends and family with a legacy of love and a repertoire of “dad jokes” and Yogi Berra quotes to carry forward.
After graduating from East Alton Wood River High School in 1963, Mike served in the military and then went on to pursue his education at SIUE. A life-long learner, Mike earned bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees, allowing him to advance from a teacher to a principal to a superintendent. Throughout his career, he worked at Lewis and Clark Elementary, Lincoln Elementary in Wood River, Hartford Elementary in Hartford, and Meissner Elementary in Bunker Hill. He retired as the Superintendent of Bunker Hill Community Unit District #8 in 2005, marking the end of a 33-year career in education.
While Mike loved his career, he had no trouble filling his retirement years with family, friends, and fun. As an avid Cubs fan and eternal optimist, Mike rarely missed a game, and his loyalty was rewarded when his team finally won the World Series in 2016. He enjoyed travel (particularly with Phylis in their RV), trivia, reading, history, golf, old movies, and television shows, especially Westerns. He was a collector of all things related to Hopalong Cassidy, Elvis, and the Chicago Cubs and could often be found on eBay, searching for the next item for his growing collection.
Mike was devoted to his family, friends, and also his community. He was involved in civic activities, including the Kiwanis Club, serving as past president and treasurer. He also helped deliver Meals on Wheels, was a board member at the Staunton Hospital, and made charitable donations to many organizations.
A celebration of life will be on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill, IL with military rites at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to St. Jude or Bunker Hill Community School District #8, which were both special to him.
Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.
Kravanya Funeral Home, Bunker Hill, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
Kravanya Funeral Homes
