Leroy R. ‘Russ’ Coxen, age 66, a resident of Sedro-Woolley for the past 18 months and former longtime Marysville resident, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.
He was born April 14, 1942 in Pendleton, Oregon to Floyd and Mary Piersol Coxen. Russ grew up in Clatskanie and Hermiston Oregon and after graduation from high school, he served with the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964. After his discharge from the service, Russ began his career with Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Co. working for 25 years and retiring as a Safety Manager. Russ was married to Marlyn ‘Marty’ Garner on March 18, 2005 in Reno, Nevada.
Russ will be remembered as a woodworking master craftsman who also enjoyed fishing and traveling; but most of all he liked being Grandpa.
Russ is survived by his wife, Marty Coxen of Sedro-Woolley. His son, Mark Coxen of Phoenix, AZ and his daughter, Christa Read and her husband Rick of Portland, OR. 4 grandchildren, Bryson and Julia Read, Haley and Tyler Coxen. 2 Step-daughters, Pamela Miller of St. Louis, IL and Sandra Barzee of Phoenix, AZ. 6 step-grandchildren, Jeffery, Nicholas, Harley, Chris, Nathan, and Curtis and 2 step-grandchildren, Ayden and Kameron. His sister, Clara Ann Sanford and her husband Phil of Olympia, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Floyd Coxen.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 11:00AM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Jim Cannon of Bethel Assembly of God Church officiating with Military Honors to follow at the Chapel. A reception will follow the services at the Maple Mobile Home Estates Community Hall. Memorials are suggested to North Puget Oncology Foundation at United General Hospital, 2000 Hospital Dr., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.