Francis X. (Frank) Fox

Francis X. Fox (aka Frank) departed into eternal life on April, 24th, 2023. In his last weeks on this Earth, he was surrounded by his family, near and far. For them, the days were blended together, but for him, every day was as cherished as a chalice of water in the desert. Frank had a way of bringing people together, for though his family was in strife, they suffered through it together. He spent his final moments surrounded by the ones he loved: his children and grandchildren. 

Frank worked at Republic Steel/LTV for over 25 years. After LTV closed, he reinvented himself and became an entrepreneur by starting his first business “ Trailer Trimmers” followed by “Fox Set.” He went from setting up trailer homes to mobile banks and then mobile MRI units. Frank and his crew traveled across the country towing and erecting double wides and other modular units. He often spoke about the challenges he faced while setting up the first mobile MRI unit in the Bahamas. After retiring from his business, he decided to move South and buy the farm that he had always dreamed about. In this new chapter he learned how to drive a tractor, work the land and raise cattle. The Black Angus cows were his favorite, and they looked as good as they tasted. He used to always say that it was the circle of life. “I fed them and now it is their turn to feed me.” Francis, like his name sake, was also a big animal lover and could not turn away from a dog in need of rescue. His farm became a sanctuary for Golden Retrievers and there were at least a dozen of them at one time.

 As a farmer, he had a deep and intrinsic connection with nature. Like the crops he would tend to, his children and grandchildren were in abundance, and he was grateful to watch them grow on their own. Like the cows he kept on his farm, he had his own herd. In his youth, he had seen the far corners of the world, for he had served in the Korean War within the Navy and spent over six months in Japan. He loved to tell stories about his time there. However, deep down, Frank was a man of peace, and he had a way of grasping at the hearts and minds of others. He loved his little country church “Sacred Heart Mission Church” in Thayer, MO and the community of friends that supported him through the good and bad times. Frank had a devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary. He made sure that there would be roses in front of her statue.  He attended every Sunday whenever he could, so that he could make a connection with God and his fellow man. Frank was a Eucharistic minister and would bring communion to the homebound and residents of Shady Oaks Rehab Center in MO..  

Frank loved life and was always willing to learn new things, one of which was quilting. He enjoyed traveling with his family and spending time with them. He was a fan of country and western music. He loved to dance and play his favorite artist Johnny Cash.  So when you hear the song “Highway Patrolman, think of him and sing along.   Frank will be greatly missed by his family and friends and everyone who knew him.  

Visitation will be on Friday, April 29th, 2023 in the back of St. Maria Goretti Church on 500 Northgate Dr, Dyer, IN, 46311 from 9am to 10am. Funeral mass follows directly after visitation.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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