Captain David L. Cox

Captain David (Dave) L Cox USNR, ret, of Palmer, Alaska, passed on Thursday, September 17th, 2020.

Dave was born in Washington State but spent the first years of his life in California. His formative years were spent in Waitsburg/ Dayton, Washington. He graduated from Waitsburg High School and went on to earn both a bachelor's and a Master's degree from Washington State University.

Dave began his 35-year military career as an army recruit, where he earned both Good Conduct and Defense Service Medals. Following his active duty, Dave joined the U.S. Naval Reserve. He retired as a US Navy Captain, Naval intelligence Cmd(NCIS) Reserve. Having earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for meritorious service while serving as Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Joint Intelligence Center Pacific. As a civilian, Dave had a 33-year long career in federal law enforcement with the federal government working for both the General Services Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Dave was a lifelong fisherman. Everyone who spent time fishing with Dave knew how passionate he was about the sport. A few of us even had the pleasure of watching him dive in after the one that got away. As a young man, Dave coached youth soccer teams for his son and daughter. In his retirement, he spent many years traveling, practicing photography, researching genealogy.

Dave married the love of his life, Marsha Miller. Marsha was the center of his world and mother to his two children. Their 53 yearlong love story ended only with his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Marsha, daughter Alanna, son David and his wife Stephanie, his grandchildren David, Michael, and Cassidy and his brothers Chris Cox and David Sandford.

A memorial will be planned for November in Palmer, AK date and time to be determined.