William Deshler Cox Jr. Obituary – Chicago, IL

William “Bill” Deshler Cox, Jr., age 89, of Chicago, passed away on February 10, 2021. Loving husband to Jane Heenan Cox and the late Janet Rasmussen Cox. Devoted father to David (Nicole) Cox, Christina Cox, the late William D. Cox, III and stepchildren Charlie, Lydia and Peter. Adoring Grandpa to his namesake William Deshler Cox-Hargrave. Kind brother to Stephen Cox and recently deceased Nicholas Cox.

Born in Chicago, Bill was the oldest child of William and Helen (Nicholas) Cox. He attended the Latin School of Chicago, graduated from The Hill School, attended Princeton, and then left to serve in the USAF as navigator on Cold War fighter jet interceptors. Post service, he completed his degree in business at Northwestern and for a time continued to sky-dive recreationally over rural IL. He spent his career with the family business, the Fibre Drum Co., which evolved from the Pioneer Cooperage Co. run by his grandfather.

A lifelong outdoorsman, he learned fly-fishing from his Grandfather Nicholas as a small child, then as a young adult worked summers at his parents’ ranch in the Canadian Rockies. His love of fishing and other outdoor pursuits took him on travels to remote locations around the world.

Known for his memorable laugh, merry smile and dry wit, Bill was a kind and intelligent gentleman without pretension. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The International Crane Foundation, E11376 Shady Lane Road, Baraboo, WI 53913 or Saint Chrysostom’s Church in Chicago,1424 N Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990