Philip Allan Fox was born on July 23, 1951, to Hillis T. Fox and Evelyn (Shankster) Fox in Bryan, Ohio.
Phil's younger years were full of Boy Scouts, mowing lawns and taking care of any spider he could find, inside or outside. As he grew, he sang in the church choir, joined FFA and continued mowing lawns learning the value of a paycheck. He graduated from Bryan High School and began working at Chase Brass in Montpelier, Ohio. After a few years he wanted to travel and drove coast to coast looking for odd jobs and a place to settle down.
Around 1977 he heard the song "Galveston" by Glen Campbell on the radio and decided it was worth a try. It was there that he got a job and a place to call home for the next 50 years. He worked at various restaurants and lastly, took a position at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He went to school and became a master gardener. Phil was featured in a magazine demonstrating his giftedness with roses. He greatly enjoyed tending to the gardens of the university. He also supplemented his income by tending the yards of patrons on the island.
In 2025, Phil moved closer to family. He passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 74. He was preceded in death by parents, Hillis and Evelyn Fox. He is survived by: his brother Norman Fox of Athens, Ohio, brother, Dennis Fox of Bryan, Ohio, and sister Kay (Fox) Allison of Toledo, Ohio. Also surviving are three nephews, Eric (and Dawn) Fox, Caleb (and Corinne) Allison and Josiah (and Freja) Allison. Also surviving are two nieces, Joy Allison and Hannah Allison.
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1 Entry
Dan Scribner
Yesterday
Denny... you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Funeral services provided by:
Newcomer Funeral Home - West Sylvania Chapel3655 King Road, Toledo, OH 43617

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