Franklin Delano "Frank" Coxon, 88, a retired Pinal County Superior Court judge, died on Dec. 28, 2021.
Part of a pioneer Casa Grande family, Mr. Coxon was the youngest of eight children of William and Evalyn Coxon. He grew up surrounded by family with strong community spirit. His father was a member of the Arizona Senate and his mother was president of the Arizona Democratic Women's Club. His parents' fondness for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, coupled with the fact that Eleanor Roosevelt picked up and kissed his sister "Chuckles" during one of FDR's train stops, led to his first and middle names. Upon graduating from the University of Arizona School of Law, he joined the Marine Corps as a judge advocate at Camp Pendleton, served honorably and gained the rank of captain. There he met his loving wife Mary and then moved to his hometown of Casa Grande, where he served nine years as prosecuting deputy county attorney. He entered private practice until he was later elected as a Superior Court judge. He finished his legal career in semi-retirement at Vista, overseeing mediation cases for San Diego County Superior Court.
He contributed one of his case stories to Reader's Digest's September 1990 edition. In the "All in a Day's Work" section, he shared a story involving jury selection for a month-long trial, in which he asked the panel if that duration would pose any hardship. Two hands immediately shot up. The first individual reported he was one of only two butchers at Ron's Market in Mammoth, saying, "it would be difficult being away that long." When the judge turned to the second person, he said, "I'm the other butcher at Ron's Market." He dismissed them both. He was active alongside his wife at both St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Casa Grande and later at St. Thomas More Parish in Vista. He participated in Mass as a lector, assisted with fundraising activities and served as a nun's secretary at St. Thomas More.
He was active in Rotary International, attending weekly meetings, supporting community events and hosting Rotary Exchange students. In addition, he was active in sports with several noteworthy achievements including: being named as the first-team all-state center for the 1950 state championship Casa Grande Union High School football team; coaching several Little League and Senior League baseball teams to first place and celebrating by taking the victors to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles; and later broadcasting for the Casa Grande Cougars. He was devoted to his family.
From early on in life, he impersonated President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, perfecting the famous "Day of Infamy" speech. In retirement, he performed for local groups including as an actor portraying FDR at the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista.
He is survived by his devoted wife; five daughters and sons, Jocelyn, Tom, Carrie, Constance and Thane; nine grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
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