Donald E. Cox Jr.

Jul 2, 1936 -

Jun 12, 2026

Donald Earl Cox Jr. passed away of natural causes on June 12, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska. Donald, the oldest of three children, was born to Donald Earl Cox Sr. and Louise Rene Wilder on July 2, 1936, in Indianapolis, Ind. Donald moved with his family to Anchorage when he was 9 years of age. Donald graduated from Anchorage High School.

Donald met the love of his life, Jocelyn de Lancey, "Jo," at a teen club dance. They married and built a home together where they raised four children together, Darin, Terrie, Ronald and Shannon. Donald worked hard to support his young family. He was a baggage handler and a deicer for Northwest Airlines by night, and studied to be a Lineman with IBEW 1547. He was initiated on July 1, 1964; he was a member for 62 years, during the day. Holidays and inclement weather would find Donald high on a pole working hard to get electricity back to Anchorage residents whenever it decided to go out. Donald was dedicated to his family, and he thoroughly embraced Jo's artistic creativity. He built a darkroom for their joint passion for photography. Donald would later turn the darkroom into a room for a kiln to fire her many pottery pieces. Donald supported Jo's artist talent and was incredibly proud of her when she graduated from University of Wisconsin with a master's degree in fine arts.

Donald was an avid downhill skier. He skied with Northwest Airlines ski team. He commercially fished out of Nannek with his friend John Bandle for a few seasons. He enjoyed any activity he could do with his family. He volunteered countless hours at the ARCH of Anchorage and was a member of the Alaska Territorial Guard. After his retirement from Chugach Electric he worked for eight seasons with McMurdo Station in Antarctica.

Donald was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Jo; children, Darin, Ronald and Shannon; and grandchildren, Brittany and Billy. Donald is survived by his daughter, Terrie (Royal) Mason; nine grandchildren; two great-gandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Union Hall, 3300 Denali St. #20, on July 18, 2026, at 1 p.m.