Wendell O. Fox age 97, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst. He was born November 23, 1926 near Stronghurst, the son of Orval and Marie Brown Fox. On November 25, 1944, he married Hazel Hensley in LaHarpe. She preceded him in death on June 6, 2023.
He was a 1944 graduate of LaHarpe High School. He served in the United States Army in 1945 -1946. His unit was training for the possible invasion of Japan until President Truman ended the war. After his military service, he farmed all of his life. He and Hazel purchased the Dobbin farm near Stronghurst in 1965, and lived there until 1997, when they moved into Stronghurst. He retired from farming in 2000.
Wendell had served on the board of Monmouth Production Credit for many years and also served on several farm related boards throughout the years. He was a member and Deacon of the Stronghurst Christian Church, and the Stronghurst American Legion.
Survivors include one daughter: Donna Cargill of Washington, IL, two sons: Randy (Grace) Fox of Burlington and Rod (Lori) Fox of Oquawka, IL, seven grandchildren: Karyn (Ryan) Yates, Debra (Ken) Poretsky, Randy Fox Jr, Erica (Craig) Lemon, Heidi Pearce, Blake (Laura Larger) Fox, Brittany (Dustin) Smith, ten great grandchildren: Alex (Angel) Yates, Rylie Yates, Ethan Poretsky, Sara Poretsky, Owen Lemon, Amelia Lemon, Jackson Smith, Grayson Smith, Garrett Fox, and Zach Smith, and one great great granddaughter: Josie Yates. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one grandson: Eric Pearce, and one son-in-law: Steve Cargill.
The funeral for Mr. Fox will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024 in the Stronghurst Christian Church, with Steve Minkler officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Burial with military honors will be in the Stronghurst Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the MST Volunteer Fire Department and the Stronghurst Christian Church. Please visit banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
