Thomas William "Bill" Fox

Funeral services for Thomas William (Bill) Fox will be held Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Castle Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the Castle Cemetery. Thomas William (Bill) Fox, born on October 7, 1942 in Okemah, OK, to Thomas and Mary Lois (Beets) Fox. His journey began with a high school graduation in 1960, followed by enlistment in the Marines. He loved playing a variety of sports in high school and continued to play football for the Marines. Serving as a helicopter mechanic and master marksman, he demonstrated his dedication and skill until his honorable discharge as a Corporal E-4 in 1967. During his time at Ft. Polk in New Orleans, he found love and married Ernistine Keener at the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church on August 23, 1962. Their journey took them to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina for two years, and then to Castle, OK in 1966, where they raised their two beautiful children, Kathryn Suzon and Thomas Denton. In 1967, Bill's passion for Western culture and the Buckeye Ranch were born. He started his career at Citizens State Bank as a loan officer, but his thirst for knowledge and adaptability led him to computer training. With his state-of-the-art education, he swiftly climbed the corporate ladder, eventually reaching the position of Vice President. 1976, Bill married Patricia (Pat) Kennedy and helped raise Shelly and Sherrie Weston. In the early 90's, Bill's entrepreneurial spirit led him to open Fox Auto Parts in Okemah, OK. However, his impact extended far beyond his business ventures. He was an integral part of the Okfuskee County community, a testament to his deep-rooted values. His commitment to Castle Baptist Church, where he had been a member since the age of 5, was unwavering. In 2017, at the celebration of the Church's 75th anniversary, Bill was honored as the longest-standing member, with 70 years of dedication as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Minister, and Deacon. In 2007, Bill married Darlene Creason, and they continued their love of ranching and horses. They spent the next 17 years raising foundation-bred Quarter-horses and Red Limousine cattle. Bill retired from the Parts store in 2015 and committed to ranching full-time. He was the longest standing member of the American Legion Post #0123, a life-time member of the Oklahoma Limousin Association, a long-standing member of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, and served as president of Okemah Round-up club, He was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents: his parents, his son, Denton Fox; granddaughter, Lindsay Davis; and grandson, Clayton Fisher. Bill is survived by his wife Darlene of Castle; his brother Jimmy and wife Marcia of Houston; Children – Suzon (Kat) Davis and husband Larry Spears of Tulsa; wife of Denton, Jan Fox of Edmond; Shelly Sheldon and husband J.L. of Oklahoma City; Sherrie Billings and husband Joe of Oklahoma City; Mandi Atwell and husband Clint, of Nuyaka; Randi Roberts and husband Joe, of Tahlequah; Grandchildren – Jason Davis, Chelsea Davis, and Spouse Emmanuel Laurent, and Ryan Davis; Jake Fielder and wife Chantal, Levi Fox, and Tabitha Fox; Jessica Fogarty; Lauren May and Dalton May; Elizabeth Welch and fiancé Zach of Shawnee; wife of Clayton, Abby Fanning of Fairland; Nathan Fisher and wife Candace of Bixby, Hagan Fisher and Savanna Atwell; and Ammie Roberts and Ellie Roberts. He also has ten great-grandchildren and many extended family, friends, and neighbors. Bill loved watching westerns and football, especially the games involving his son and grandsons. He embraced and embodied the military and cowboy code of conduct. He believed in gathering cows horseback, praying before every meal, and loving his extensive family. Bill's sense of humor, work ethic, and love of God will continue to impact other's lives. Serving as active pallbearers will be Jason Davis, Ryan Davis, Jake Fielder, Levi Fox, Nate Fisher, Hagan Fisher, Clint Atwell and Joe Roberts. Honorary bearers include Steve Cheatwood, Chance Shields, Justin Smith and Max Henry. Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home and officiated by Rev. Mike Lewis.

Thomas William "Bill" Fox

October 7, 1942 - April 30, 2024