Willis T. Fox, 76, of Brownwood, TX, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at his home. Arrangements are being handled through Davis-Morris Funeral Home, Brownwood. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, from 6 to 8 PM, with a Rosary being recited at 7 PM at the funeral home. A Communion Service will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 10:30 AM, at St. Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Brownwood. Interment will be at Eastlawn Memorial Park, Early, TX.
Willis was born on January 21, 1937, in rural Cannon Falls, MN, to William A. and Pearl R. (Lundell) Fox. He married Jolene Herman in Hastings, MN, on August 6, 1955. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and served at Camp Pendelton, in Japan and in the Philippines from 1955 to 1959.
Upon discharge from the Marine Corps, in addition to farming 80 acres in rural Cannon Falls, Willis worked for 3M Company working in maintenance as a production supervisor and as a Human Resources Manager until his retirement in 1994. While with 3M, Willis transferred to several plants across the country, helping the plants increase productivity and be more successful, all the while raising seven children with his wife.
Willis was an active member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church where he served on the Knights of Columbus, along with many other duties and projects. After retirement, he enjoyed his part-time, post-retirement job at Stanley Dodge in Brownwood.
In addition to traveling and working in the yard, Willis thoroughly enjoyed being the definition of “Grandpa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, using this particular skill to convince Grandma to make malts and popcorn for “the grandkids.”
Survivors include Jolene, his wife of 58 years; his children, Joan (Dan) Oberhaus, Davenport, IA, Craig (Sharon) Fox, Early, TX, Don (Lisa) Fox, Port Byron, IL, Laurie (Bob) Smith, East Moline, IL, Mary Wofford, Brownwood, TX, Barb (Jim) Sides, Palacios, TX, and Diane (Scott) Hackney, Early, TX; 20 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Wallace (Janet) Fox, Anaheim, CA; a sister, Mary (Eddie) Hanson, Cannon Falls, MN; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one sister.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, designated for the building of the new Parish Hall. Condolences may be left for the family at www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com