Hayward Lee Cox

Hayward “Lee” Cox, 95, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home, on January 18, 2023.  He was born on December 21, 1927, in Gallipolis, Ohio, to the late Floyd and Claris (Halley) Cox and graduated from Gallia Academy.   

Hayward served his country as part of the United States Navy.  He worked for 37 years on the railroad in Bellevue, Ohio, for Norfolk Southern R.R. as an Electrician Foreman before retiring.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Norwalk and a 32nd Degree, 50 year member, and former Master of the Masonic Lodge 273 in Bellevue.     

Hayward is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Anna Sandefur-Cox of Norwalk; children, Larry Cox of Castalia, David Cox of Florida, Vickie Spears of Sandusky, Constance Gruklke of Castalia and Dean Cox of West Virginia; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and brothers, Allen, Warner, and Charles Cox, all of Gallipolis; and sisters, Alice Bing and Luella Hazelbaker, both of Gallipolis; stepchildren, Cheryl North, and Michael and Roger Oates, of Norwalk. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Louise (Sowards) Cox; brothers, Floyd and Merrill Cox; sisters, Evaline Wright and Grace Reel; and stepdaughter, Deborah Joan Arlin.  

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St., Norwalk, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. (noon).  The Masonic service will take place at 11:45 am with the funeral service to begin at 12 p.m. (noon) with Dr. Mike Sweeney officiating.  Military honors will be provided at the funeral home and burial will take place privately the next day.  Memorial contributions may be made in Hayward’s memory to Southern Care Hospice, 9501 US Hwy 250 N Ste. 2, Milan, OH 44846, or Norwalk First Baptist Church, 67 E. Main St., Norwalk, OH 44857.  Online condolences to the family may be expressed by visiting: www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com 

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