Patrick Nicholas Fox

Our dear, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Patrick “Pat” Fox, has concluded his life on this earth and gone to his eternal rest. Patrick Nicholas Fox was born April 28, 1931 in Lancaster, Ohio to Lawrence Edward Fox and Norah M. (O’Neill) Fox. He died on August 10, 2024 in Columbia, Missouri. He was 93 years young.

Pat was raised on the family farm in Lancaster, Ohio. He was one of 8 children, 1 of whom survives (Paul Fox). He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers: Carmen, Joseph, Lawrence, Hugh, and John “Jack”; and his sister, Mary Jo.

Patrick graduated from Saint Charles Borromeo College Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. His first job was at the Boys’ Industrial School in Lancaster, Ohio.

Pat married Dolores Ann “Dolly” Stiers on May 23, 1959 at St. Rose Church in New Lexington, Ohio. He is survived by 5 of his 6 children: Steve (Sara El-toumi) Fox of Columbia, MO; Kathy Fox (formerly Galloway), of Columbia, MO; Regina “Gina” (Jaimie) Henderson of Redwood City, CA; Mike (Lisa Bassler) Fox of St. Charles, MO; and Joseph “Joe” (Amy Sievert) Fox of Charlotte, NC; 16 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Mark Nicholas Fox, of St. Louis, MO, and his wife, Dolly.

Pat learned to drive on the farm at a young age and fell in love with all things motorized. He got his chauffeur’s license at age 14 so he could drive the snowplow for the county. He was a self-taught mechanic. He rode motorcycles for 40 years, until age 85! He bought dirt bikes for his family and took his kids out riding often. He was always there to help his kids move, fix their plumbing, get their cars working, or just make them laugh. He was their hero. Pat was devoted to his wife and best friend, Dolly.

Pat was a quiet man who had a giving heart and kind soul, and who jumped at the chance to help out in any way he could. He volunteered with boy scouts and coaching his kids’ basketball teams. He had endless patience for his grandchildren, who loved to tease him, “decorate” his hair and long beard with barrettes, and laugh at his jokes. He was the pun king and always had a one-liner ready to fire off.

The Patrick Fox family had lived in Columbus, Ohio; Louisville, KY; St. Louis, MO; and Liberty, MO. Pat and Dolly also lived for many years in St. Charles, MO; and Columbia, MO. Pat retired after 30 years working for Mack Truck dealerships in Columbus, St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City.

A service will be held for family in Columbia, MO.