Charles L. "Charlie" Cox passed away Friday May 13, 2022. Charlie was born June 24th, 1947 at Sacred Heart Hospital to Lucille and John Cox. He spent his entire life in the Spokane Valley. He attended Broadway Elementary, St. John Vianney Catholic School, North Pines Jr. High, Central Valley High School and was in the first graduating class of University High School (1964) where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He went to Eastern Washington State College on a football scholarship where he played on the 1967 team that finished 2nd in the nation while earning a BA in Education. He joined the United States Marine Corps where he served as a Lieutenant from 1969 to 1972 with a tour of duty in Viet Nam. He began his 41- year career as a teacher in 1972 at Opportunity Elementary for five years where he was given the "Acorn Award". He spent the next nine years at University Elementary where he was again given the "Acorn Award". While doing this he earned an MA in Education from Eastern Washington University. The rest of his career, he taught at Evergreen Junior High/Middle School where he also coached football, basketball and baseball and was given the "Crystal Bell Award". Charlie retired in 2013.

Charlie spent most of his life working with youth sports. He coached basketball at the Boys Club in San Clemente, CA and Pop Warner Football at Camp Pendleton. He officiated basketball for the Valley Church League and umpired for Spokane Valley Baseball. He coached football, baseball and girl's basketball at St. John Vianney Catholic School. He coached in Spokane Valley Girl's Softball and was President for two years. He coached in Spokane Valley Youth Soccer Association. He coached in Spokane Valley Baseball and Babe Ruth Baseball. In the YMCA, he coached flag football, basketball and indoor soccer.

Charlie was preceded in death by his son Jim Cox. He is survived by his lovely wife of 40 years, Sharon (Laurich) and his other two sons John (wife Alexis) and Joe (wife Brenda) and granddaughter Lexie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send a donation to the Joya Child and Family Development Center, 1016 N. Superior St., Spokane, WA 99202. The Funeral Mass is Monday, May 23rd , 11:00 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Spokane Valley, WA and the Committal with Military Honors is the next day, Tuesday, May 24th , 9:00 a.m. at Pines Cemetery, Spokane Valley, WA. To share memories and leave condolences for the family, visit www.hennesseyvalley.com
Published by Spokesman-Review on May 18, 2022.