Carl was the beloved son of Charles Leslie and Mary Lorena Cox. Throughout his life, he was known for his kind heart, hospitable nature, fast cars, great horses, good food, and his outpouring of love for family and friends. In Carl’s early years, he worked in the oil field and later became an entrepreneur in the trucking industry and finally into the custom conversion and dealership for elite and bloomer trailers. In his later years he was strictly repair and remodel. He was passionate about calf roping and training calf horses. He was a member of the Texas Senior Pro Rodeo Association, the Ultimate Calf Roping Association and the Legends Calf Roping Association. To know him was to know a man who never met a stranger. He had a servant’s heart, a quick smile, and a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Whether it was around the arena, at the barn, or gathered around a table, he believed no one should leave hungry. Feeding people wasn’t just something he did, it was one of the many ways he showed his love.

A horseman, a respected calf roper, and horse trainer whose knowledge, patience, and passion left a lasting mark on countless horses and riders. He loved the western way of life and dedicated himself to helping others become better horsemen. He was always willing to lend a hand, share advice, or encourage the next generation, especially young people who share his love for horses and roping. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, family man, and friend. His greatest legacy isn’t only found in the horses he trained or the buckles won, but in the lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, wisdom, and unwavering work ethic. His family was his pride and joy, and the lessons he taught will continue to live on in those who loved him. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing he is no longer suffering and is now at peace in the presence of his savior. His boots may no longer leave tracks in the arena, but the legacy he built, the lives he changed, and the love he gave will never fade.

He is survived by his loving family- wife of 36 years, Lisa Smith Cox, daughter Shayla Cox Smitherman and husband Tanner of Milano, son Blane Allen and Abby Cox of Stephenville. Grandchildren, Brylee Ann and Raelynn Blair Smitherman of Milano and Lennon Laine Cox of Stephenville. Brothers Charles Cox of San Antonio, James Cox of Victoria, Luther Cox of Beaumont, and Mike Cox and wife Cindy of Victoria. Sisters Mary Ann Lucas of Victoria and Betty Jo Rickman of Cuero – and many beloved nieces and nephews who will forever cherish his memory and strive to carry on the values he instilled in them. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Chester Lucas and sister-in-law Linda Cox.

A Visitation to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026 beginning at 12:00 p.m., with the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m., at The Gin, 117 W Street, Yoakum, Texas. A burial service will follow at Hebron Cemetery, 915 Hebron Church Rd (CR 267), Yoakum, Texas. Following the burial service, family and friends are invited back to The Gin for a catered meal to continue celebrating his life together.

In honor of the man he was, we ask that you remember him by lending a helping hand, sharing a meal with someone, encouraging a young horseman, and living with the same generosity, grit, and love that defined his life.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

Donations or contributions can be made to Hebron Cemetery (1968 CR 436, Yoakum, Tx 77995) or Texas Senior Pro Rodeo Association.