Joseph L. Kokx, Sr.

Joseph L. Kokx, Sr., age 82, of Crystal Valley passed away Thursday, November 16, 2017 at home.  Joe was the son of Steve Kokx and Dorothy Kokx Hawkins.

He was raised in Muskegon and came to Shelby as a teenager.  He married Mary Lou Rouse on December 24, 1959.  She passed away on January 1, 2003.  Joe lived in Crystal Township the past forty-eight years.  He worked in logging with his stepfather, Bert Hawkins for many years before being employed at Acme Disposal as a mechanic.  He retired after working at Gray and Company for ten years.  

Joe was a hard working, loyal and honest man.  He made sure everyone was taken care of before himself.  Some of his happiest moments were with his grandchildren.  

He is survived by his sons, John (Judy) Kokx and Jeff Kokx; his grandchildren, Karen Kokx, John (Nicole) Kokx, Jr., Brittany (Brian) Miller, Steven Kokx, Dustin Kokx, Kara Bradshaw, Cory Bradshaw, Cody Bradshaw, Addison Kokx, Michael (Tina) Boucher, Alisha Boucher, Tiffani Boucher and Cheyenne (Thomas) Boucher; twenty-three great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; his siblings, Marian Eschman, Jean Van Raalte, Carol Stanage, Helen (Jim) Parker, Linda Dodge, Laura Vos, Sherry (Darrell) Fessenden, Dennis Hawkins, Debi (Jerry) Hallberg, Daniel "Bo" (Brenda) Hawkins, Cindy (Steve) Vinke and Karen Hawkins. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou; sons, Jack Kokx and Joseph Kokx, Jr; parents, Steven Kokx and Dorothy Kokx Hawkins; stepfather, Bert Hawkins; and siblings, Rose Sines, Delbert Hawkins and David Hawkins.

Visitation is Sunday, November 19th, from 6-8 pm at Harris Funeral Home in Shelby.  The funeral service will be held Monday, November 20th, 11 am at Crystal Valley United Methodist Church with Pastor Theresa Fairbanks officiating.  Interment will be in Mount Ulysses Cemetery in Crystal Valley.  

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