Douglas Lamar Cox

Douglas Lamar Cox

Douglas Lamar Cox, “Coach Cox,” passed away peacefully in the hospital in Manhattan, Kan., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018.

Doug was born in Augusta, Ga., to Lamar and Laney Cox. He served his time in the United States Marines followed by the National Guard. He attended the University of Georgia, and then graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in education and history. Doug was married to Sandra Leah Brockway on Aug. 14, 1964.

He started his teaching and coaching career in Nampa, Idaho, for one brief year. Then Doug and Sandi moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where Doug was a coach of various sports — mainly football — and taught history, PE, and driver’s ed. They were in Bonners Ferry for 15 years.

In 1982 they moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where again Doug was teaching and coaching. He was the PE teacher at Canfield Middle School and coached football throughout the years at Coeur d’Alene High School, Post Falls High School, and Lake City High School.

In 2004 Doug and Sandi retired and went on the journey of their lives, living around the United States following their oldest son, Mike, who also coaches football. They loved being able to spend time with their grandkids and still being close to football. They lived in East Lansing, Mich., St Louis, Mo., and Seattle, Wash.

Tragically in 2009, Sandi was diagnosed with cancer and lost her short battle in December 2010. Doug then moved to Manhattan, Kan., in 2012. He lived in Manhattan until he too lost his battle with cancer this past December.

Doug is survived by two sons, Michael Cox and Barton Cox, and daughter, Keli Cox Johnson. Doug had six grandchildren, Isabella, Dyson, Zac, Jake, Baxter, and Addison.

He was named Idaho Coach of the year in 1975. Coach Cox impacted and influenced many lives wherever he was working, teaching, or coaching. He loved his annual “trips” to Priest Lake and he is known for his “great stories.” His favorite thing to do was watch his grandkids participate in whatever sport or activity they were involved in.

Douglas and Sandra Cox will be laid to rest together at Boundary County Cemetery on March 1, 2019, in a small family ceremony.

A Celebration of the Life of Douglas Lamar Cox will be held at the Coeur d’Alene Eagles Lodge from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, March 2. This is open to whoever would like to attend and come share personal stories of Doug with his family.