Robert E. "Bob" Fox

Robert E. “Bob” Fox, age 97 of Williamsport, IN, peacefully passed away at his home on Sunday, July 25, 2021. 

He was born on a farm near Stewart, Indiana on August 25, 1923. Bob was the son of Ray & Estella (High) Fox. He graduated from Williamsport High School in 1941 where he played basketball and found the love of his life - a Bingy Bomber cheerleader.  After graduation, WWII was in progress and he enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Center and on the day he was scheduled to marry his high school sweetheart, Joyce Zenor, a German prisoner escaped and the base was on a full lock down.  Eventually he gained permission to leave the base, hitched a ride to Williamsport and arrived about an hour before the wedding was to take place. 

Bob farmed for 42 years in Indiana and Illinois. He started as a little boy helping his dad farm, raising chickens and dairy cattle.  He first experienced farming with a horse and single bottom plow and always said his old horse knew exactly when it was time to rest at noon and absolutely headed to the barn no matter how he tried to stop him.  He also had stories to tell about the firsts in his life, like coming home from school and having electricity in the house.  He flicked the light switch on and off all night long, amazed at the magic!  Bob was full of words and wisdom, such as "It always rains a day before it's too late," or "Don't eat scrambled eggs in the spring or the beaks and little feet will get caught in your teeth”,  or “If you don’t want it, trun it!

Until he retired in 1991, the breaks he got from farm life included almost daily Big Pine golf adventures in preparation for the annual winter golf adventures in the warm South, hunting year-round (don't ask), many many fishing excursions from Canada to Florida and Texas and all lakes, streams and ponds in between in the Tri-state area.  Of course, he made (whenever possible) daily trips to the elevator for the news (gossip) followed by a jaunt to town or Carbondale to leisurely drink coffee with his buddies to further discuss what they'd already heard at the elevator. 

Life was good and Bob had stories to tell.  He said he never told anything he hadn't heard or seen before, but that was debatable by those who truly knew him.

Bob was kind and generous and quiet in his faith. He was a member of the Pence Christian Church until it closed and then attended the Williamsport Christian Church. He was a member of the American Legion for 77 continuous years a 32nd degree Mason.  He never knew a stranger and had more friends than most ever dream possible.  It is impossible to forget someone who gave us so much to remember.

Bob and Joyce had two daughters, Cheryl Fox of Rossville, Illinois and Nikki (Dave) Gretencord of Williamsport.  He had 4 grandchildren- Dan (Missy) Mikel, Tami Hack, and Mandy Gretencord; 8 great-grandchildren;  and 13 great-great grandchildren. 

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his brothers, Don and Kenny and their wives; one grandson, John Mikel; two nephews, Mike Fox and Scott Fox; cousins; and many dearly loved friends. 

Visitation will be held at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Funeral services will be there in the chapel on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at West Lebanon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Warren County Community Foundation or Legacy of Hope located in Rossville, IL.