Sgt. Joseph "Joe" A. Cox Jr.

November 11, 1968 - February 12, 2017

Sgt. Joseph “Joe” A. Cox, Jr., 48, passed away unexpectedly while on duty, Sunday, February 12, 2017. He was an active member of Blackhawk Ministries, Fort Wayne where he participated in Double Exposure and Marriage Matters. He also volunteered with Juvenile Justice Ministry of YFC. The US Marine Corps veteran and 19-year veteran officer of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, was promoted to Sergeant in 2015. During that time, he served in the Confinement Division, Communications/Dispatch Center, Civil, Warrants, and Patrol Divisions. He was also a member of the Honor Guard, SWAT Team and was handler to his beloved K-9 partner, “Gunny”. Joe enjoyed woodworking and photography, but most important was reading God’s word and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Diana; children, Amy (Jacob) Richman of Woodburn, Melissa (Jordan) Palmer, Jessica (Zachary) Moord, and Joseph Cox all of New Haven, Kristen (Cole) Miller and Jerod (Kara) Hevel both of Fort Wayne; parents, Joseph Sr. and Brenda Cox of Fort Wayne; siblings, Stephanie (Matthew) Demorest of Fort Wayne and Matthew (Josh Gardner) Cox of Greenville, NC; and 13 grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Angela “Angie” (Burkett) Cox in 1998, daughter of Wayne and Judy Burkett. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday at Blackhawk Ministries, 7400 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne with calling one hour prior. Pastor Kevin Rivers and Tim Smith, lifelong friend, officiating. Calling is also 1 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church. Burial in Concordia Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne with military honors. Preferred memorials are to grandchildren’s education fund, c/o Three Rivers Credit Union.