Chris Edward Fox

Chris Edward Fox, 89

Chris Edward Fox went to be with the Lord on July 5, 2023. He was at home with his family. Chris was born to Chris Edward Fox and Josie Card on March 31, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan.



His formative years were spent in Berkley, Michigan where his father worked in automotive repair. Remarkably, during the Depression era, Chris Sr. opened his own shop, Fox Service. The family resided in an apartment directly above. Chris had no siblings, but the family dog, Spike, was a beloved companion.



In 1948, his family journeyed to Southern California in search of warmer weather. Chris attended Whittier High School where, as he would aptly put it, "The Freshman initiated the Seniors." In addition, Dad began a lifelong interest in hot rods acquiring a 1932 Ford with a flathead which he may have raced a time or two.



In 1952 Chris enlisted in the Air Force serving until 1956 during the Korean conflict. He worked as an MP overseas and at Long Beach and March Air Force Bases.



Chris married Carole Carter in 1958 and later divorced in 1967. They had two children, Chris, born in 1960 and Judy, born in 1962. In 1964 a motorcycle accident seriously injured Chris' leg and changed his life in two significant ways a few years later. He saw his need for a Savior, becoming a believer in Jesus, and he met Glenna Stobaugh, a nurse who cared for him during a bone infection. They married in 1968.



The couple resided in Whittier where Chris pursed his trade as an industrial mechanic and Glenna worked as an RN. Dad had fun with his job. One day when an unsuspecting salesman entered his work area, he was greeted with a steam of hydraulic fluid that "accidentally" escaped from a pump on a forklift and landed on his shirtfront. No more salesmen in that shop. A disability resulting from his earlier accident forced a premature retirement in the early 70's. Time to search for a new horizon.



In 1975, the Foxes moved to Coeur D Alene, Idaho. Sister (Judy) came to stay in 1981 to complete the family. Chris and Glenna were fond of travel. Some by sea, in a cherished Bayliner used many times, culminating in a memorable trip to the San Juans with dear friends. Some by land in several motorhomes where they frequented RV Parks which also included a cross country journey back East.



In addition to travel, Dad pursued many other diverse interests. Included among them, fabrication, carpentry, tree cultivation and cooking. He always said he never met a piece of bread he did not like. In his later years he taught himself to restore clocks and his house was filled with them. However, his passion for performance vehicles remained unchanged. He enjoyed restoring muscle cars and participating in and attending shows with his son. His 1957 Chevy won its class in the 1996 Car d'Lane. Even into his eighties, Dad continued to work on a 1970 El Camino, coming full circle from a 1959 model owned in previous years.



Mere words on a page cannot convey how significant Dad was in our lives. He was a dedicated husband and father, but more importantly, our best friend. He always said his primary responsibility was to care for his family. This he did with honor and grace to the end. Dad will be forever held dear in our hearts.



Dad is survived by his wife, Glenna, his son, Chris Fox, his daughter, Judy Fox, and his beloved Boston Terrier, Spike.



We are grateful for the tender care given to Dad in his last months by Reliant Health Care and his final days by Hospice of North Idaho.



Arrangements provided by Yates Funeral Home. On-line registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com