John P. Fox, Sr.

FARMINGTON John Paul Fox, Sr., of Farmington, passed away August 8, 2017 at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau at the age of 79. He was born in Irondale on November 25, 1937 to the late James Andrew Fox and Sophia Irene (Harris) Fox. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Frances (Brewster) Fox in 2015; an infant brother, Jimmy Fox; two sisters, Florence and Elsie.

John graduated from Farmington High School in 1954 and went on to join the United States Air Force where he proudly served at home and abroad. He made a career in the Air Force and served until his retirement in 1975. While in the service he was a recruiter as well as serving in the air police. After his retirement he worked for the Farmington Police Department for a few years before he created his own trucking company, John Fox Trucking. He drove trucks until 1988 when he sold the last of his trucks and became a gentleman farmer. He thoroughly loved being "Grandpa Popcorn" to his grandkids. He loved farming, mending fences and tending the stock in the "back forty". John laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Arlington on five occasions; he laid a wreath at the grave of the unknown soldier in Punchbowl National Cemetery of the South Pacific in Hawaii and at the Ottowa Canadian War Memorial. He worked on the IOOF Rose Parade Float on three separate occasions and was formerly a member of the St. Francois Lodge #48 where he served as past Grand Master of Missouri and General Commander of the World. Currently John was a member of the IOOF Lodge #5 in St. Louis. He also belonged to the Masonic (George Washington #9) Lodge of St. Louis, where he was a Master Mason and a member of the Square Club. He was a Grand Mason and a Worshipful Master two times. He was a member of the Lodge of Research, Masters Club of Greater St. Louis, the Scottish Rite - 32nd degree Knight Commander of the Court of Honor; and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 172 of Webster Groves where he was past Adjutant and past Commander. John also belonged to AMOS (Ancient Mystical Order of Samaritans). In the 1980s he was a proud recipient of the Kentucky Colonel title.

Survivors include his children, Mary Anne Fox, John (Melinda) Fox; four grandsons, Andy, Brandon, Chad and Cliff; seven great grandchildren, Dylan, Madison, Cole, Riley, Gabriel, Gavin and Zo with one great-great grandchild on the way; sisters, Linda (Dwayne) Wetherington, Pam (Keith) Hunt, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Friday, August 11, 2017 from 5 8 p.m. with Masonic Services and IOOF Services beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday at 7 a.m. followed by a funeral at 10 a.m. in the Cozean Chapel with Reverend Dr. Darrell Curtis officiating. Interment will be held at the IOOF Cemetery in Farmington, with military honors. Memorials, if desired, may be made to American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association or Veterans with Hope. View the tribute video and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.

Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Friday, August 11, 2017 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Interment Service

Odd Fellows Cemetery

Saturday, August 12, 2017 Farmington, MO Directions Funeral Service

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Saturday, August 12, 2017 10:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions