Service held for Dustin resident Terrel Cox

Terrel Cox was born August 15, 1933 in Hanna, Oklahoma to Jess and Mattie Elizabeth (Kerns) Cox and passed from this life at his home in Dustin on March 8, 2020 at the age of 86.

Terrel was raised in Hanna and attended the East Liberty School. In October 1955 he married Shirley Marie LaFave. As a young man he attended barber school and worked with his brother in his shop in Oklahoma City. They soon relocated to the Bakersfield, California area where he worked at a salt mill. In June 1968 they returned to Oklahoma and settled in Dustin in the same house where he later passed away.

He was best known as a farmer, but all the while also worked other jobs. He first worked for the T and L Foundry in Henryetta until it was lost in a fire. He later worked for Masterbuilt Motors in Wetumka until its closing and he spent many years with the Dustin School system as a custodian.

Terrel had attended the Dustin Assembly of God Church until ill health restricted his activities.

He loved fishing the most but also enjoyed hunting and trapping. He is also remembered as a fine guitar and mandolin player and often played for local senior citizens functions and enjoyed playing in the street dance band for the Dustin July 4 Celebrations.

Terrel was preceded in death by two brothers, J.D. and L.C., and a sister Velma Layman.

Survivors include: his wife Shirley of the home; six children, Ray Terrel and wife Leah of Heavner, Billy Dean and wife June of Weleetka, Travis Don of Lamar, Kathryn Marie Gray of Dustin, Wesley Joe and wife Linda of Pharoah, and Caroline Elizabeth VanMeter and husband Monty of Dustin; along with 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren, along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Graveside rites were held Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 2:00p.m. at the Dustin Cemetery with Rev. Don Williamson officiating. Family members served as pallbearers. Interment followed under the direction of Williamson-Spradlin Funeral Home of Wetumka and Weleetka.