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Tom FOX Obituary

FOX, Tom
Oldest son of western film legends, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, passed peacefully on May 16, 2012, due to complications related to congestive heart failure. He was 84. A retired school teacher, Tom served as music minister at Arcade Church and other subsequent churches in the Sacramento area for over 20 years before moving to Santa Clarita, CA, to be closer to his family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara, and their three grown daughters, Mindy Petersen, Candie Halberg, and Julie Pomilia and their families. A memorial service for Tom will be held on June 16, 2012 at 1:00pm at Arcade Church, Sacramento, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Grace Baptist Church, Tom Fox Memorial Fund, 22833 Copperhill Drive, Santa Clarita, CA. 91350 Happy trails, dear Tom, until we meet again.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jun. 3, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom FOX

Sponsored by former students at Rosemont Jr. High.

47 Entries

Tim Eakin

October 10, 2022

Also a student at Rolling Hills Jr Hi, 68 & 69? Trumpet. 3rd chair. Mr Fox was Big Time! The band recorded an album, concerts on Saturdays. Sadly I gave up making music after that, but never forgot the privilege and honor

Geneise Alterman

May 27, 2021

I was in the Third or Fourth grade at Yreka, California, Elem school, and he was my first male teacher. He was gentle and smart, and I remember him fondly. I'm 78 years old now and have retired a few miles from Uvalde, Texas, where Dale Evans was from.

Geneise Alterman

February 28, 2021

He was my teacher when I was in the Fourth grade in Yreka, California. My first male teacher, and he was very kind.

Caryl (Clay) Morrison

November 5, 2020

Mr Fox was my Jr. High Band teacher at Rolling Hills Jr. High 1974 - 1976. He helped me through my music, to understand that if I put the effort into a project or interest, the rewards would come. He made a difference in my life. All the best to his family. Caryl Morrison

August 4, 2019

Tom was our music teacher in Grenada in 1952-53. He taught me how to play trumpet, and how to participate as a team member in our small band. A fine person he was.

Lisa Breuer Iwata

June 29, 2019

Tom Fox was such a high caliber Musician/ Conductor. How blessed I was to have him for music and orchestra at Rolling Hills Jr. High. in 1967-69. We were award winning in the State of California. His character was impeccable and he was compassionate and patient. Just wanted his descendants to know this.

Jonathan Ball

August 21, 2018

Tom Fox his family were neighbors three houses down the street in Montrose, CA for several years until my family moved a few blocks away in 1958. Then for two school years from 1964 to 1966, he was my orchestra teacher at Rosemont Jr. High in La Crescenta, CA. I wasn't the most diligent member of the orchestra when it came to practicing, but he always encouraged me. I have good memories of a good man and dedicated teacher.

Irene Ramirez and Family

February 1, 2017

There's alot
of goodness in a human heart most of us would know if we always showed the way GoD mad all things and he did them good on his great and perfect plan however he did his best on the greatest one when he created the heart of man.

Inspired by

GoD rest the souls of all the Good
Fondly a Intreging good person

Pacoima .ca
February 1. 2017

Candy Dougherty

July 13, 2016

Mr. Fox was our music teacher in 1955 at Monte Vista Elementary School in LaCrescenta, CA. I can still see his kind face, glasses and beautiful black hair. I never forgot him.

Kathy Hannan

June 14, 2015

Mr. Fox was my music teacher. He was one of the kindest men I have ever met. He made a huge impact on my life. I have never forgotten him and all that he taught me and gave me. Rest in peace Mr. Fox. Thank you for all your kindness to all your students. Kathy Hannan

June 13, 2015

Adding another thought! As a singles leader for a time, I met many people but none with such a joyful and gentle spirit as Tom and Barbara. I remember singing I think it was the Hallelujah Chorus and Roy and Dale walked into the Sacntuary. We immediately changed to "Happy Trails" in 4 part harmony. Tom beamed! He was so proud of us! We loved Roy and Dale and Tom and Barbara so! Another moment was singin in I wasnt to say Redding CA. We were on the lake all day. Tom told us to take it easy and not get sunburned but of course we did not listen. So that evening sunburned and exahusted, we pleaded with The Lord to be our strength and our Song. That night was amazing,. We hit that moment that all choirs cherish with a moment of perfect harmony and the Presence of the Lord was sooooo strong. I've never forgotten that night!! Barbara I am on facebook as Carol Howell. God bless you!

Carol Howell

June 13, 2015

Tom and Barbara were very dear to me. I was in his Singles Choir at Arcade Baptist Church in Sacramento, CA for a number of years. Tom was a wonderful director and minister of music. He made me love singing even more than I used to. He was loved by one and all. My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara Fox as Tom goes on to be with the Lord in Heaven. Much Love and many thoughts. When single, I was Carol Kohles

Richard Horrell

April 28, 2015

Mr. Fox played a big part in introducing me to the blessings of teaching in Christian Schools. I was fortunate to realize by his mentoring that the musical talent I had been given was best used for the glory of The Lord. Thank You Mrs. Fox for sharing your husband with us all. In Christ's Service, Rich Horrell.

-The warmth of the sun-

Caroline M.

April 2, 2015

Tom Fox was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was my music teacher at Northern California Bible Institute for the 1976 school year.

He was sweet and gentle. He was a man of honor and integrity. He was one of the best examples of a Christian I have ever had the blessing of knowing.

Caroline

I'm 64 now, but this is my first guitar when I was 16

Bill Keenom

December 21, 2014

I never met Tom but I have a handwritten not wherein he expresses my song about Roy and Dale is his favorite.

Becky (Allen) Vaught

August 3, 2014

Tom Fox was my music teacher at Rolling Hills Jr. High School in the late 1960's. He directed our school orchestra. He was also our Director of Music at Calvary Baptist Church in Los Gatos, CA. He was a caring and dedicated teacher and gifted music director. I have many fond memories of him and his family, as well as Dale Evans and Roy Rogers. His love of music enriched many lives and lives on. I was so blessed to have known him.

c. w. clark

July 14, 2014

my father born 1n 1911 in humboldt tn new tom 'snouttie' fox , i was allways told he was married to dale evans and that he died by jumping out of window after market cash of 1929--30 , was also form humboldt

Steve North

June 16, 2014

Mr. Tom Fox was my music teacher at Rolling Hills Jr. High. A kind, humble and talented man.

Jim Snoke

June 10, 2014

I had the great pleasure of visiting with Tom Fox, Dale Evans' son, at his home in Sacramento about 10 years ago. He was gracious, and full of interesting stories about his mother and father. I never had the opportunity to meet Roy or Dale, but spending that brief time with Tom and his wife was very special. It was he who inspired them to find their spiritual center that became the backbone of their life together. Tom gave me a copy of Roy and Dale's autobiography before I left that day. He passed away in 2012. I will never forget him.

Dennis Berghone

April 19, 2014

I went to school with Julie at Valley Christian. At our 8th grade graduation we got to meet Dale Evans. I am sorry for your loss. I lost my mom in Jan 12. I am sorry for your loss

I started playing flute because of Mr. Fox. Amazing man. Thank you.

Kimberly (La Follette) Overton

April 5, 2014

God bless his family, my condolences. Mr. Fox was an amazing musician who told me I could play anything I put my mind to playing - flute, sax, string bass at Rolling Hills. I learned to perform from Mr. Fox. We would walk through the orchard to get to Westmont and home. I will never forget the day his parents came to Rolling Hills School. It was so cool! Thank you Mr. Fox for being one of the people who made a giant difference in my life. God Bless.

Richard Kline

March 28, 2014

I met Tom when I was not yet a Christian. He invited me to a prayer breakfast at Arcade Baptist Sacramento in 1979. After I came to know the Lord, I sang in his choir at Arcade. I thank God for this man.

chuck Kenney

January 28, 2014

I was invited to PLAY in the orchestra ''initially'' BY TOM FOX for a production.. The ministry of LEE TOMS, was the winning combination the led me to bring my family to ARCADE church, what a blessing TOMS' musicianship was for us all (as I am also a musician and director of church music) IT was my honor to join with him in music. GOD HAS BLESSED TOM and US through him..

Donna Henry

January 7, 2014

Mr. Fox was my music teacher at Rosemont Jr. High in La Crescenta, CA. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful, kind, patient!! and talented musician. I remember his family and them attending La Crescenta First Baptist Church. I also remember him and his wife losing a baby, also named Tom. He is buried at the bottom of the hill that my parents are on. I always take a moment to go by and remember this precious little one. God's rest to you Mr. Fox and blessings to your family.

Teresa Webster

January 4, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Fox. I went to high school with his children and lived nearby. I'm sorry for your great loss.

Joanie Stephan-Williams

January 4, 2014

I just found out about Mr Fox's death. Remembering him from
Calvary Baptist in Los Gatos. I know his daughter Mindy. Our prayers are with the family

December 20, 2013

I knew Tom years ago and had a long talk about the old movies and cowboys. He was my friend and one day we will all be "Rounded Up In Glory." Pastor Joe, Sierra Baptist Church in Oakdale, Ca.

Bruce Stevenson

August 14, 2013

Dear Barbara, I am so saddened by this news of Tom's passing. He was truly one of the most highly respected members of our faculty at Rolling Hills Middle School in Campbell Union School District when I was principal there during Tom's tenure. My warm regards to you and the girls. Bruce Stevenson

August 13, 2013

Barbara and girls - We have great memories of the Life Celebration at Crystal Cathedral in 1998 when we honored Dale and surprised her when Tom & the granddaughters came up and sang "Happy Trails". Blessings and peace to you & the family as you deal with Tom's home going. Won't be long til we're all together again. "Joyful and Happy Trails" to you, friends.
John & Jacque Coulombe

March 28, 2013

We are sorry you lost Tom. we knew him
many years ago at Italy TX.when he lived with his Grand parents.Our greatest symphany. W .A. & Helen Compton Irving TX

Linda Swanson

March 11, 2013

Dearest Barbara,
You and Tom were like second parents to me. I was involved in the Arcade Church Choir when you two arrived. I have many, many fond memories of singing under Tom's direction in both the choir, the Arcadians, and playing in the Handbell choir and the orchestra at Arcade.

But I learned so many other things from both of you over the more than 35 years I've known you, about hospitality and kindness and "rolling with the punches." I can't express how much you impacted my life. I'm sure there will be crowns awaiting both of you in heaven for you ministry to others.

I can't wait until we sing in heaven around the throne. Until then my heart will go on singing. Missing you both.

Jerry Dowell

October 31, 2012

Tom was my first music (violin) teacher at age 12. He was much loved in the small town of Yreka where he taught for a couple of years. The world will miss him.

Tom Armstrong

October 30, 2012

Tom Fox was a wonderful person and father. I knew him when he directed music at Calvary Church in Los Gatos, CA. I've been out of touch for decades, but still remember the entire family well and with fondness. My greetings and condolences.

Mrs. Jim Turner (Terri Lynn Fraser)

October 18, 2012

I am sorry to hear that Mr. Fox is already gone, just as I was setting up a Facebook page for him. More friends from Rosemont Jr. High and Crescenta Valley 1st Baptist Church are still in awe of THE BEST MUSIC TEACHER in the world. Growing up with Candy and Mindy, side-by-side, and being led into full fellowship with Christ by his Music Ministry CHANGED MY LIFE forever.

The "lunch band-room bunch" (Amy Jo Booth, Steve Henderson and myself) are happy to sponsor this permanent memorial Guest Book. Thanks for being in our lives and memories forever, Mr. Fox.

I am sure he is seeing the Trojans from USC from Heaven, conducting the orchestra while Dale sings out.

John Conley

August 1, 2012

TO Barbara
I wanted to wait untill things setled down a litle before writing you. I was sad to hear of my good friends passing.
I will miss his coraponding with me. Although I know he hasn't been able to write me from a long time now. I have missed your trips over to Phoenix, the last few years. Some day we will all be together. Take my good friend.
John C

Jon Thiessen

July 4, 2012

To Barbara,
I will always remember your time at BFA and the fun we had playing music together with you and Tom! One of the many highlights of our time there. May God give you strength in the days to come.

Gary Watson

June 26, 2012

To Barbara and family: I was in the Arcade "traveling choir" in the 80's when we went on tour with our little musical to Nevada and Graeagle and Auburn! I will never forget your kindness towards me. I remember that I had to ask Barbara to hold my glasses while I did my "skit".

May God continue to comfort you and yours.

Cathy Nelson-Hood

June 8, 2012

Happy Trails to you.Tom. I had the honor of Tom signing one of his mothers books for me when I was attending Cypress Ave. Baptist Church. Barbara and Tom were a joy to know. Until we meet again partner
God Bless you

Kathy Cowan Wainscott

June 7, 2012

Barbara and family,
Tom was one of the most wonderful men I have ever met. I know it will be tough without him and I am praying for all of you. Barbara, you and Tom have been such a blessing to me. I am so glad we will see Tom again in heaven. Love to you.

Dorothy Baird

June 5, 2012

I met Tom through his Mother, Dale, here at Church of the Valley in Apple Valley, Ca. He and Barbara were such loving and caring people and I thank God for sharing a bit of their time in this life.
The music in heaven has just improved with Tom's homegoing. A friend in Christ, Dorothy M. Baird

Linda Hamilton

June 4, 2012

Tom and Barbara were family. I was in Arcadians at Arcade when I first came to Sacramento and Tom directed while Barbara played piano. It was the beginning of a very long and wonderful "family" relationship that spanned decades. Later, he asked me to play the guitar to Barbara's piano while the Arcadians sang. I remember once during a song when Tom skipped a few bars of the music. Barbara and I caught the skip and with a quick glance at each other and smiles, we jumped right back in stride with the music with no one noticing. It was priceless. So many Christmas programs, rehearsals and travels to visiting churches to praise our Lord.

The fondest memories are Arcade's Handbell choir. Especially our participation in the Marching Handbell Choir that opened the 99th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. What adventures, stories, and fun times we had.

I'm certain Tom and Dale are singing in the Heavenly Choir, smiling, moving with the beat, and sharing their Joy of the Lord in song. Rest well my friend. God took home one of His music men May 16, but He left me and so many others with memories and love that are priceless.

Bill Battles

June 4, 2012

I had the privelage of knowing Tom for over 30 years. Tom and Barbara led the choir at Arcade Baptist, and they had patience with those who could not read music (like me). I remember so many stories involving Tom & Barbara. I never saw Tom 'upset', and his love for our Lord will always stand out in my memory. Tom exemplified true CHRISTian love. I foundly remember the last time we talked. May HE be with Barbara and the family! I miss you Tom.

Helen Foster

June 4, 2012

Prayers of peace for Barbara and family. Thank God we know that Tom is safe in the arms of his Lord.

June 4, 2012

Tom taught music in the Yreka, CA area for a few years when he was just beginning his career. He was full of energy & enthusiasm & we all thought he was very special. He definitely left his "mark" on our community with his great talent & he will never be forgotten.

Judy L. Foster, Yreka, California

Bunny Flanagan

June 3, 2012

My husband, Jim, loved Tom very much and considered him his best friend. I have a feeling they are singing together in heaven. I loved Tom and Barbara as dear friends for many years at Arcade church. Tom was one of the finest choir directors I have had the privilege of knowing. I loved him!

Sharon Johnson

June 3, 2012

Tom was our music director at American River Community Church in Carmichael for a few years. His excellent musical talents and leadership produced more beautiful music than we thought we were capable of. But most important,Tom's patient and gentle treatment of all who knew him was an expression of his intimate relationship with Christ. Looking forward to seeing Tom in the great reunion with Christ and all those who await His coming. Loving thoughts and prayers for comfort to Barbara and the entire family.

Rich Howell

June 3, 2012

Tom was a great blessing to us. His sweet spirit of love for the Lord and others always shined through. He cherished life and lived for Christ. Happy trails to a wonderful and kind man. Rich Howell

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