Dr. Frank Cox, Flew Mustang Fighters in WWII

Frank Cox, MD, 88 of Avon Lake formerly of Metro Detroit, passed away at home, on April 13, 2012.

He was born on Sept. 8, 1923 in Virginia.

Dr. Cox completed two years of college at the University of Pennsylvania when he decided to join the US Army Air Corp and defend his country during WWII. As an aviation cadet, Dr. Cox flew Mustang Fighters eventually being shot down over France and taken as a German Prisoner of War. He was honorably discharge for his service on March 11, 1944.

He returned to the University of Pennsylvania and earned his medical degree specializing in infectious diseases as an internist and went on to serve his residency at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Dr. Cox was the first Director of Medical Education at the hospital, where he remained until he retired in 1993.

He relocated to the Cleveland area accepting the position of Chairman of Medicine at Fairview Hospital, Cleveland, a position he held for 10 years. He was a founding member of the Infectious Disease Society of America and in Cleveland he hosted a radio program known as the Medical Moment. He was a member of many medical societies.

Dr. Cox was a member of the Cleveland Air Show Board for more than 20 years. He was an avid golfer and member of Avon Oaks Country Club. He had one hole-in-one and once won the club championship. An accomplished sailor, he participated in many races including the Mackinaw and Chicago races.

He is survived by his wife Marlene D. (Rabels), daughters Susan Williams, Dr. Carol Van Andel, Mary Lila Potocki and Virginia Kappler, stepchildren Paul and David Calcaterra and Bonnie Fernandez as well as 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mary Morrison and brothers James D. Cox, MD and William Cox, MD. He is preceded in death by daughter Nancy Lee Houser, wives Margaret (nee Hugler) and Mary Sue (nee Hunnicut), brother Walter Cox and parents Frank and Bertha (nee Dolan) Cox.
All services are private including interment, with full military honors at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the Avon Lake.