Thomas Merle FOX

March 29, 1945 – August 26, 2025

Thomas "Tom" Merle Fox passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of August 26, 2025, in Liberty Lake, Washington, due to complications from Parkinson's Disease.

Tom was born on March 29, 1945, in Spokane, Washington, to Donald and Dorothy Fox. He was the eldest of three sons and grew up alongside his brothers, Jerry and Mike, both of whom preceded him in death. Throughout his childhood his family often moved between homes, as well as between the cities of Portland, Oregon, and Spokane. Tom graduated from Mead High School in Spokane with the Class of 1963.

A lifelong resident of Spokane, Tom married Ella Jean (Crisler) on April 16, 1966, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Tom and Ella enjoyed a second home on the Pend Oreille River for 25 years, which brought them much happiness and joy as they shared it with their children and grandchildren.

Tom was a roofer by trade and owned and operated Tom Fox Home Improvement for several years. Later, he became the Director of Maintenance - along with overseeing Housekeeping and Security - at Valley Hospital and Medical Center. He played an integral role as the hospital transitioned from the small Spokane Valley General Hospital into the larger medical center it is today. Though he never fully retired, Tom stepped away from full-time work in 2002.

In 1973, Tom built the family home in East Valley, where he lived until 2008, when his daughter purchased it. He later remodeled a Millwood condo, where he and Ella stayed while in town from "the river." A skilled carpenter as well as a roofer, he was endlessly helpful to neighbors, friends, and his kids when they became homeowners and had their own home improvement projects to work on. Tom loved tools and power equipment, so he was always ready to tackle a project that required a trip to the hardware store.

Tom was a natural problem-solver and endlessly curious. He rarely sat still, always working on or fixing something - often extending the life of household appliances well beyond expectations. While hobbies never held his attention for long, Tom found satisfaction in staying busy. If he had a toy, he tinkered with it.

At various times in his life, Tom enjoyed snow and water skiing, four-wheeling, boating, motorcycling, hiking, backpacking, and bike riding. He was most at peace in the outdoors. He owned a canoe, and several boats over the course of his life, he fished very occasionally-mostly to entertain others (including his granddaughters whom he loved to torment with worms).

Cutting wood, building fires, and warming his home with firewood he'd chopped himself brought him real contentment.

Tom was also an avid reader who enjoyed a quiet evening and basked in the joy, beauty, and laughter of his four granddaughters. He was incredibly proud of each of them and was delighted to know that his first great-grandchild is expected in January 2026.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ella Jean Fox of Liberty Lake; his daughter, Michele Gail (Jason) Chavez of Spokane Valley; his son, David Brian Fox, also of Spokane Valley; and his cherished granddaughters: Rachel Fletcher of Vancouver, Washington, Emily (Tyler) Davisson of Spokane Valley, Ainsley Fox of Spokane Valley, and Rowan Fox of Vancouver, Washington.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Please share your memories of Tom on his Tribute Wall at www.hennesseyfh.com.