Carnival & Fair Buzz

Amusement industry veteran, Mark Cox, passed away on March 19, 2025 at the age of 64.

In his early life, he grew up in Missouri experiencing farm life where he shared so many fond memories with his siblings and uncle Gordon. His home life wasn’t storybook, he came from a broken home that lacked love. He rose from adversity and vowed to one day be a better man when he had his own family. He kept his word to his family he would later have with Stephanie. He was a devoted father and husband, working countless hours and overtime to give them the life he never had. No matter how many hours he worked he always came home with a smile and love spending quality time with his family boating on weekends. He would always say that his wife and kids happiness made him happy and family is all you have in this world. He was the true epitome of everything a father, husband, brother, uncle, and grandfather should be, a real poster child. Nobody loved more deeply and selflessly than Mark, who was also a hopeless romantic. He was always so proud of the family he created and all the accomplishments his children achieved. Once he became a grandfather, he devoted his life to his grandchildren.

Over the years, Mark had a desire to return to the carnival industry, which he was in at the time he met Stephanie during winter break of 1982. He quit the business to marry Stephanie and start a family in El Paso, Texas. We all know that once you are in the business it’s hard to stay away, it becomes a lifestyle that can be very gratifying. In 1996, he sold his successful plumbing company to return to the carnival business where he stayed for the remainder of his days. He spent a lot of his years working alongside his brother, Thomas aka “Red” on Wade Shows, whom was also his best friend. He also spent 10 years as a ride supervisor for Jeff Brady on Playworld Amusements, until they disbanded in 2011. From 2011, he started accumulating rides to add to his food concessions and bungee jump, where he started his own company Mark Cox Concessions booking in with various carnivals for the rest of his days.

When you think of a great showmen, what defines one? Showmen are ubiquitous across the carnival industry, but what sets apart a great showmen from the rest is passion, integrity, loyalty, knowledge, and comradery. Mark possessed all the qualities that define a great showmen and then some. He had the ability to smile even on the hardest days, his optimism was unwavering. There was always something to be grateful for, according to Mark. His early years as a plumber and pipefitter tradesman only extended his knowledge of already impressive skills as a welder, electrician and craftsman. He was truly a jack of all trades, there was not a task he couldn’t accomplish without ease.

Throughout his lifetime, he made many friends along the way. He was such a likable guy whom always had a smile on his face. The loss of Mark has sent a wave of sadness across the country. He touched so many people with his generosity and kindness. He lived a life of integrity that is hard to come by these days. He always said he would never do anything that would be on his conscious when his head hit the pillow every night, he was a man of honor and his word. He was one of the greatest men to bring such a bright light into this world, a true gem.

Mark is survived by his wife, Stephanie Cox. Daughter; Vanessa Cox, spouse Joe Trevino and 2 grandchildren Harlow Trevino and Logan Trevino. Daughter; Kimberly Christie, spouse David Christie. Son, Stephen Cox. Siblings; Thomas Cox spouse Michelle Cox, Bill Cox spouse Jeanie Cox, Ronnie Cox, Vearl Brawley spouse Linda Brawley, Gina Kingsley spouse Thomas Kingsley, Pennie Snider, & Bethanie Miles. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

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