Lion Errol Cox Obituary

Lion Errol Kenneth Cox, born in Washington, D.C. on March 31, 1943, died peacefully in his home in Tijeras, NM, September 14, 2025. He was the fifth of seven children. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served until retirement in 1983.

During his career, he was a Security Police Officer at Andrews AFB during the Bay of Pigs incident, then in Alaska, Japan, and the Philippines where he studied Shotokan Karate, eventually earning a second degree black belt. In 1968, he was in Greece in support of the U.S.S. Pueblo incident that again took us to the brink of war.

He was known as “the Chief’s Chief” and “the Manager’s Manager,” and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. His last position was Senior Chief for the HQ Air Force Systems Command at Andrews AFB, MD.  Chief Cox was dedicated and exacting, demanding the best of everyone and everything.

After 1983, Errol served within the Department of Defense as a Management Analyst at the Pentagon for the HQ U.S. Army Director for Information Systems for DISC4 and as the Secretariat for the U.S. Army Science Board.

A life-long learner, he earned Bachelors degrees at University of Maryland and Park University, and Masters degrees at Central Michigan University and Golden Gate University. He was an adjunct professor for George Washington University, Webster University, Park University, Strayer University, and Central New Mexico Community College where he desired to teach pro bono.

Continuing a strong commitment to service, Errol was a Past Master with the Prince Hall Masons and served on the board of Relevancy, Inc. He joined Sandia Mountain Lions Club in 2010 where he served as Assistant Treasurer and participated in as many of Club projects as he was able, while fighting severe physical challenges. In his final years, he was a writer, a poet, and a jewelry craftsman. He was greatly loved and admired by his fellow Lions and neighbors.

Errol married his high school sweetheart Diana Joseph and, together for 18 years, they raised three children. In 1987, he married Robin Cooper and became “Dad” to her three children. He is survived by his wife Robin, their children Dorena, Kenneth Jr., Jennifer, Anthony, and Jonathan, as well as their 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A “Home Going Celebration” was held October 10 at Daniels Family Funeral Home in Albuquerque. In February, Errol will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, a place reserved for heroes and distinguished individuals.