Maurice L. Zox Obituary (2006)

Dr. Maurice Levi Zox, of Columbus, OH and Sarasota, Fl passed away on July 16, 2006 at The Zusman Community Hospice House at Wexner Heritage Village, Columbus, OH after a short illness. One month ago he celebrated his 98th birthday. The renowned surgeon and community activist practiced medicine in Columbus for six decades after serving as a Major in the United States Army, assigned to the Burmese front in World War II as a medical officer. Born in Peoria, IL in 1908, Dr. Zox had a distinguished career as a general surgeon associated with the Riverside Methodist Hospital, Mt. Carmel Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and The Ohio State University Hospitals. In addition to his private practice and serving as medical director of the Shoe Corporation of America (SCOA Industries), Dr. Zox held the position of Emeritus Professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine where he was a long-time guest lecturer. Dr. Zox was a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, in addition to other prestigious national, state, and local affiliations. Dr. Zox earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin followed by advanced medical degrees at Rush Medical College of the University of Chicago and the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Zox’s community involvement included heading the Physician’s Division of the Columbus Jewish Federation. Dr. Zox was a member of Temple Israel and the Winding Hollow Country Club. In addition to his wife of 59 years Florence, he is survived by their children: Diana Marx Bloch of Gahanna, OH; Frederick Marx (Sally) Bloomfield Hills, MI; Barbara Zox Panzer of Austin, TX, Dr. Sherry Zox (Arnold Deutchman) of Columbus, OH; and Laurie Zox Leder (Gary Watkins) of Greenwood Village, CO. Their fifteen grandchildren are Allison Bloch Gold (Steven) of Glencoe, IL; Jennifer Bloch Skok (Steve) of Chicago, IL, Laura Bloch Kepes (Jeffrey) of Glencoe, IL; Jon Bloch of Columbus, OH; Julie Marx of New York, NY; Andrew Marx of Chicago, IL, Carolyn Marx of Bloomfield Hills, MI, Scott Marx of Bloomfield Hills, MI; Jason Panzer (Debbie) of Austin, TX, Elizabeth Satz (Jeffrey) of Dallas, TX; Jeffrey Panzer (Sarah) of Austin, TX; Hallee Deutchman of Columbus, OH; Emilee Deutchman of Columbus, OH; Molly Hepkin (David) of Austin, TX; Kevin Leder (Jasmine) of Providence, RI; and 10 great-grandchildren, in addition to his devoted caregivers Andre Frasier and Fred Carter. Dr. Zox was preceded in death by his siblings: Ethel Schiff of Palm Beach, Fl; Joseph Zox of Columbus; OH; Dorothy Yank of Philadelphia, PA; and Oscar Zox of Sarasota, FL; and his parents Hinda and Louis Zox. His son, Frederick Marx commented “Beyond our Father’s career as an admired and accomplished surgeon, Dad was all about his family, faith, and his fellow-man. Four generations celebrated his long life, legacy, and devotion to his beloved wife Florence. Dad meant the world to us and so many others.” Funeral services are scheduled to take place 1 PM, Monday, July, 17, 2006 at THE EPSTEIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 3232 East Main Street, with Rabbi Gary Huber officiating. Burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park – Temple Israel Section. Shiva will be observed at the home of Diana Bloch Monday evening. In lieu of flowers those who wish to honor the memory of Dr. Zox may do so by making a donation to the Zusman House Community Hospice, 1151 College Avenue, Columbus, OH 43209-2897, or to their favorite charities.