Wayne Eldon Cox

     Wayne Eldon Cox, age 71, of Middleton, MI, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026.
      A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
     Wayne was born in Lansing, MI on June 27, 1955, the son of Edwin Curtis and Phyllis (Parker) Cox. He married Michelle Lee Keener on December 8, 1973 in DeWitt, MI.
     Wayne honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. He retired from the military as a Staff Sergeant after 23 years. Working with the military, local law enforcement and the U.S. Postal Service Wayne served on the Counter Drug Program for 3-4 years. He enjoyed woodworking, building things and working with his hands around their home. Wayne also enjoyed camping but spending time with his family brought him the greatest joy. Wayne was a member of the Elsie American Legion Post #502.
     He is survived by his wife of 53 years Michelle Cox of Middleton, MI; son Wayne T. Cox of Middleton, MI; daughter Tamria Huntoon of Middleton, MI; son Kennith Cox, of Middleton, MI; grandchildren: Natasha Cox, Cody Cox, Xander Cox, Brooklyn Huntoon, Kiley Huntoon & Ryan Leslie, Kaiden Kieffer, Saige Kieffer, and Dylan Cox; great-grandchildren: Bo and Aurora; brother Skip and Karen Cox of Lansing, MI; brother Don Cox of Lansing, MI; sister Vickie Wineland of St. Johns, MI; sister Cris and Frank Golupski of St. Johns, MI; sister Gaye Cox and Kristy Hawkins of Lansing, MI; sister Cory and Tim Droste of St. Johns, MI; many, many nieces and nephews; Michelle's siblings: Mel, Mike and mark Keener; special friends: Barney Welch, Dean & Rhonda Acker, Chad Huntoon, Shannon Kabelitz, Ande Struck, Brad, Logan, Jordan, and Miranda Huntoon, and Lori Mizer. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, son Benson Cox, great-grandson Ash, his brother Thomas Dean Cox also his parents-in-law Jeter and Paddy Keener.
     Memorials may be made to the Elsie American Legion Post #502. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.