Marvin Cox

On August 14, 2022, John Marvin Cox left us for his new address. He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Marvin, as he was known, was born on December 19, 1928, to George and Lela Belle Cox in Lamesa, Texas, where he spent his childhood. He was the second oldest of their seven children. As a young man he left Texas to work in the oil fields of southern Canada. There he met Shannon Avis Riggins, and they were married in Red Deer, Alberta on December 17, 1948. The couple had two children, Philman and Geraldine, and settled their young family in Shelby, Montana, in 1959. Marvin worked in the sales department for KSEN radio for several years before becoming the manager of Western Furniture in 1962. In 1976, Marvin and Shannon bought the store, which they successfully operated until 1999, when they sold the business and retired. Shannon passed away suddenly on November 6, 2002.

Marvin was a well-respected, active member of the Shelby business community, and he served as a city councilman for many years. He was also an avid golfer, participating in many golf leagues over the years. Marvin’s faith was very important to him. While in Shelby, he was an active member and also a deacon in the First Baptist Church.

While on vacation visiting family in Oklahoma, he met Bonnie. They were married on February 10, 2007 in Monahans, Texas, where his brother Gordon performed the wedding. They resided in Guthrie, Oklahoma. They were active members of the First Southern Baptist Church where Marvin served as a deacon and was a faithful visitor to the shut-ins. He was also a Gideon.

He will be greatly missed by his surviving family members including his wife Bonnie, his sister Shirley, his brother Gordon, his son Philman and wife Betty, his daughter Geraldine and husband Dan, his grandchildren Shannon and husband Scott, Christie and husband Patrick, Michelle and husband Tad, Tony, Danielle, John and wife Megan, Jacob and wife Sonesta, and his great grandchildren Christopher, Zachary, Abbie, Nate, Alyssa, Stephen, Emma, Seth, Ava, Jackson, and Oatis.

He will be greeted in Heaven by his wife Shannon, his grandson Christopher, his brothers Andrew, Billy, Bobby, his sister Betty, and his parents George and Lela Belle.

A memorial service took place in Guthrie at the First Southern Baptist Church on Tuesday, August 16, 2022.

Funeral services will take place at the First Baptist Church in Shelby, Montana, on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 10 am. Marvin’s final resting place will be at the Mountain View Cemetery in Shelby.