Robert Fox

Robert Duane Fox was born to Carl and Marilyn Fox on June 26, 1951, in Grand Rapids, Ohio.

Robert was a kind, gentle, and generous man who was always ready to help. Friends and family knew him to be a soft-spoken, intelligent, and deeply interesting man. He was something of a human-encyclopedia and was often resourced for his readily held information on a broad array of subjects. From childhood, Robert could often be found looking up from a book or article, feeding his curiosity and interminable desire for knowledge; a trait exhibited early and most prominently by his middle son.

Robert was a craftsman and an engineer at heart. Among many things, he was skilled in gardening, carpentry, mechanics, and electronics; he was a man of great ingenuity and a firm believer in quality. “Do it right the first time” may have been his unofficial motto. He loved Penelope, his ’69 C20. He had a deep appreciation and understanding of nature, which connected him to cherished memories of life and lessons on the family’s farm with his beloved grandfather Fred.

As a young man, Robert served honorably in the United States Navy. Through his patriotic service, he gained important global perspective, treasured life experiences, and valuable technical skills that would support his career in telecommunications.

Robert’s final disembarkation from the hulls of the US Navy occurred in Norfolk, Virginia, where he started his own family and raised his six children. He loved his growing family, as shown clearly through many photos in which he is smiling at the baby in his arms or listening carefully to the child at his knee. He took great care to ensure the capable hands and minds of his three sons. By example, he taught them honor, chivalry, and integrity. He was immensely proud of his daughters, and for them he exemplified the model of a classic gentleman.

Robert returned home to Grand Rapids circa 2005, where he lived his last years in the home he built by hand with the help of his youngest son. 

Robert Duane Fox, beloved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend entered eternal rest on January 6, 2022. Surrounded by the love of his three daughters at his side, Robert left this world faithfully to be with his savior, Jesus Christ.

Robert is survived by his children: Aimeé Fox, Timothy (Andrea) Fox, Theresa Fox, Kevin Fox, Erin (Nick) Paule, Justin (Sheryl) Fox; their mother: Rose Marie (Walker) Allen; his parents; Carl and Marilyn (Miller) Fox; his grandchildren: Jordan, Caleb, Devon, Faith, Sebastian, Cecilia, Alistair, Olivia, Benjamin, Kira, Inessa, Aston, Jackson, Jefferson, Jameson; his brothers: David (Connie) Fox, Stuart (Tina) Fox, Rodger (Patty) Fox, and many adoring nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his grandparents: Fernando and Bessie Fox, Fred and Jessie Miller, and his uncle: Myron Fox. 

A private graveside service with military honors will be held for the immediate family.

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