Dean Martin Fox

Dean Martin Fox, age 85, of Clark, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at Avantara in Clark, with his brother Joe by his side.

A memorial service will be held on March 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Furness Funeral Home in Clark, with Pastor Kim Hastings officiating.  A meal and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service, with burial taking place at St. Boniface Cemetery at a future date.

Dean was born on July 29, 1940, to Walter and Viola (Kelly) Fox in rural Clark, South Dakota. He entered the world as a twin with his sister Darla and joined three sisters and one brother at home.

He attended Clark Public School, where he excelled in many areas, but his greatest passion was sports—particularly basketball. Dean was proud to have competed at the state basketball tournament during his high school career. He went on to attend South Dakota State University (SDSU) before returning home to raise his family and work alongside his father. Dean spent most of his time working in agriculture, and later in life he enjoyed woodworking, creating pieces that reflected his skill and attention to detail.

Dean approached life with determination and pride. He was a hard worker who believed in giving 100% to everything he did. Whether farming, bartending, playing sports, or woodworking, Dean never settled for mediocrity and found satisfaction in doing things well. He had a deep love for hunting, fishing and anytime spent with his dogs Moose, Blonde and Brady. Later in life, he enjoyed snowbirding in Texas, visiting with friends, and had a gift for making friends wherever he went.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Viola Fox; his daughters, Shelly Fox and Becky Scotter (Fox); his son-in-law, Kenny Scotter; his son, Martin Fox; two grandsons, Justin Lake and Nathan Scotter; his twin sister, Darla Larson; his sisters, Sharon Brannan and Judy Christenson; one sister-in-law; and three brothers-in-law.

He is survived by his daughters, JoLinda (Reece) Brown of Gettysburg, SD; Jodi (Jon) Heller of Basehor, KS; and Chantell (Bryan) Engels of Minneota, MN. Dean’s grandchildren include Chelsey (Justin) Brock of Huron, SD; Cigi Fox (Kyle), Boston and Rowan Brown; Lily and Grahm Heller; Allyson (Jared) Frazier; and Austin Engels, as well as several great grandchildren. He also leaves behind siblings Joe Fox, Janice Larson, Diane Altfillisch, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Dean will be remembered for his love of sports, the outdoors, hunting, woodworking, visiting with friends, and the pride he took in everything he did.