Merle Homer Cox Sr., the second of five children, was born Oct. 17, 1943, in Madill, Oklahoma, to Israel Charles (I.C.) and Pauline Faye (Orr) Cox. He grew up in Lebanon, where he attended the one-room Lebanon schoolhouse before graduating from Madill High School in 1961.

After high school, Merle joined the National Guard and proudly earned a sharpshooter badge. He had a lifelong love of cars, working on them whenever he could and racing at Ardmore Speedway. The first time he saw Barbara Ethel Vick, he declared he was going to marry her — and he did. The couple married at the justice of the peace in Durant, Oklahoma on May 8, 1965, they were married for over 60 years. Together they raised two children, Merle Jr. and Karen, and in 1974 made their home south of Madill.

Merle worked hauling gas for Sooners alongside his father before beginning a long career with WW Trailers, where he retired as paint supervisor. In their free time, he and Barbara enjoyed bowling, and Merle became a member of the 300 Club. He enjoyed golfing but his favorite pastime was hunting. He took pride in helping keep the county's coyote population down and enjoyed noodling with his Uncle Gene. Some of his most treasured memories were made deer hunting with his son and later teaching his grandson Mason all the tricks he knew.

Merle is survived by daughter Karen Eddings and husband Steven of Russett; and daughter-in-law Debbie Cox of Canadian. Grandchildren: Daniel Connel of Fort Hood, Texas; Mason Eddings and wife Macie of Russett; Taylor James and husband Derrick of McAlester; and Raegin Holman and husband Donnie of Russett. Great-grandchildren: Logan Homer Connel, Breanne Elizabeth Lee Connel, Austin Kate Eddings, Hardin Merle Holman, and Dawson Kent Eddings.

Brothers; Darwin Cox and wife Mary Kay, Madill, Oklahoma, Ralph Cox and wife Carolyn, Choctaw, Oklahoma, Tony Cox and wife Pam, Lone Grove, Oklahoma. Sister; Christine Gamble and husband Todd, Yukon, Oklahoma.

Merle was preceded in death by his beloved wife: Barbara Cox, favorite son, Merle Homer Cox Jr.; and his parents.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Connel, Mason Eddings, Taylor James, Raegin Holman, Macie Eddings, Derrick James, and Donnie Holman.

Honorary pallbearers include Mary Ann Hale, Kevin Hale, Wes Saxon, Jess Porter and Charles Vick.