Clarence "Pete" Fox

Clarence “Pete” Fox was a man who made friends easily, and kept them. Loyal and hard-working, kind-hearted and friendly, Pete always put others before himself. Pete was an avid fisherman, a skilled elevator repairman, and a good friend. Above all else, Pete was a family man – a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He dedicated his life to caring for his family, and was never happier than when surrounded by those he loved. Pete’s strong, steady and loving presence will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.

The 1930s were in many ways a somber decade, sandwiched between the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and World War II. For proud parents Frank and Virginia Fox, however, these difficult years were brightened by the birth of their son, Clarence. “Pete,” as Clarence soon came to be called, was born on November 20, 1932, and shared his birth year with the first Purple Heart award, the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the first U.S. gas tax (1¢ per gallon)

Pete’s proud parents welcomed their newborn son into the world of Kincaid, West Virginia. Pete was one of five children. Frank supported his growing family as a coal miner, while Virginia stayed at home to run the household and raise their five children. A mischievous and fun-loving kid, Pete always had a smile on his face. He loved spending time outdoors, and his hobbies included playing baseball, fishing, and hunting.

The years sped swiftly by, and almost before he knew it Pete had grown into a young man. He had an adventurous soul, and before even graduating from high school managed to earn his pilot’s license. At that time, the drums of the Korean War were pounding, and Pete chose to serve his country by enlisting in the Army. He served his country honorably, and returned home safe and sound in 1955.

While Pete was overseas, his family had moved from West Virginia to Detroit, Michigan, where Pete rejoined them upon his return. The time had come for Pete to choose a career, and he decided to enroll in the Detroit Engineering Institute. The most importance consequence of Pete’s move to Detroit, however, had nothing to do with school or work. It all started right next door – Pete noticed a pretty girl who lived right across the street. He found out her name was Barbara Capon, and the rest is history. They dated for a year, and it didn’t take Pete long to realize that Barbara was the only girl for him. He proposed, and the happy couple was married on September 15, 1956.

After graduating from the Detroit Engineering Institute, Pete found a position installing and repairing elevators at the Westinghouse Elevator Company. He was an extremely hard worker, and over the years rose steadily through the ranks. In 1965, Pete started working for the Michigan Department of Labor as an inspector, and in 1975 he was promoted to Chief of the Elevator Safety Division.

Closer to home, Pete was thrilled to become the father of four wonderful children: Pamela, Peggy, Brad and Jon. He loved his family more than anything else in the world, and was always there to support his kids when they needed him. In his free time, Pete enjoyed taking off for a spell of hunting and fishing. And if there was his favorite meal of sausage gravy and biscuits waiting for him when he got home, then so much the better!

In recent years, Pete has lived in St. Johns, Michigan, where he was a faithful member of the First Church of God.

Hard-working, loyal, and kind, Pete was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a staunch friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

Clarence “Pete” Fox died on May 27, 2015, at the age of 82. Pete’s family includes his children, Pamela (Gary) Flones of Indian River, Peggy (Peter) Carter of Grand Rapids, and Brad (Cathy) Fox of Dearborn; his grandchildren, Cindy Flones, Cheri (Kevin) McSherry, Scott Flones, Arielle Carter, Garrett Carter, Brandy (Tom) Tudor and Bradly (Kim) Fox; his great-grandchildren, Jaiden Tudor and Jeremiah Fox; his brother, Kenneth Fox; his sisters, Leona (Jim) Piercy and Shelby (Ronnie) Wolford; his sister-in-law, Cathy Fox; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, on January 4, 2010; his parents; his son, Jonathon Fox; and his brother, Sheldon Fox.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at the First Church of God in St. Johns, with Pastor Perry Purcell officiating. The family will receive friends Monday, 6-8 p.m., and Tuesday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. Contributions may be made in memory of Pete to the charity of the donor’s choice. To learn more about Pete and view his Life Story film, visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/107581, where you can share a memory or photo and sign his memory book.