Charles Fox

Charles Fox passed away on June 5, 2025, in Tustin, California, at the age of 96.

Born on April 16, 1929, in Pomona, California, to Charles and Catherine Fox. His parents moved with their only child to Santa Ana in 1933. Thus began Charlie Fox's long residency in the County he loved.

Charlie is survived by his wife Shirley, his daughters Dianne Osmundsen and Cathy Stills, and his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Cheryl Fox. He is also survived by his grandchildren and their spouses, Amanda Osmundsen, Morgan Osmundsen, Aubrey and Briant Gerould, Austin and Michael Murphy, Chelsea Fox, and Ian Fox. He leaves behind one great-grandchild Owen Gerould.

Growing up through the Depression years taught Charlie the values of thrift and hard work. Charlie graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1947 and then attended college at Santa Ana Community College. Charlie fulfilled one of his dreams by earning his bachelor's degree from USC. He would remain a die-hard Trojan fan for the rest of his life.

During high school, Charlie met a young woman singing in a church choir, Shirley Essary. Charlie went home thinking to himself he had met the woman he wanted to marry. Charlie and Shirley dated for several years and were married in December 1950. They celebrated their 74th anniversary this past December.

Charlie began his career in real estate valuation working for the California Division of Highways and the County of Orange. Later he worked as an independent fee appraiser and remained in this role until he retired. Charlie was highly esteemed among his peers and clients.

Charlie was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana. For decades he organized the club's candy sales during the holiday season to raise funds for the less fortunate in Santa Ana.

Charlie and Shirley loved to travel. Over a span of 50 years, they visited more than 100 different countries on every continent plus the north and south poles.

All of us who knew and loved him wish him well on his final great journey.

A Service will be held on June 20, 2025, from 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM at Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA.