David Fox, 80, of Oskaloosa, passed away surrounded by his family at his home on August 30, 2024.
David Vilas Fox, son of Vilas W. and Mildred Louise (Brown) Fox, was born in rural Oskaloosa on November 5, 1943. He was raised in rural New Sharon, where his dad ran a gas station. David went to Lacey School until his senior year. He was the first class to graduate from North Mahaska in 1961. Working in the Oskaloosa Overall Factory was his first job, and David remained there for five years. He then transferred to the Knoxville branch for two years. After leaving the overall factory, David worked for Pella Corp in Quality Control. He immensely enjoyed his work at Pella Crop until his retirement in November 1998. After retirement, David drove a school bus for the Oskaloosa Schools and loved all the kids. He also drove charter buses for Ottumwa Coach, highlighted by a two-week trip to Yellowstone National Park with high school kids.
David met Shirley Lee Dickerson at the skating rink between junior and senior year in high school. They two had an instant connection and became inseparable. David married the love of his life, Shirley, on May 11, 1962, at the Good News Chapel in Oskaloosa. The two attended Good News Chapel and Rose Hill Community Church throughout their life together.
David belonged to the Rollin Oldies. He owned a 1956 Mercury and drove from South Dakota to Ohio to Colorado, attending various car shows. He was part of the Triple D Derby Team and competed in the Iowa Derby competitions. They loved riding motorcycles and took many trips to Canada and out west. They were able to converse with one another via earpieces during their travels. The entire family loved camping at Red Rock, and they created many memories of it.
Left to cherish David’s memory are his wife of over 70 years, Shirley; his son, Steve (Brenda) Fox; one grandson, Christopher Fox; a great-granddaughter, Stevie Fox, all of Oskaloosa; sisters: Betty (Merlin) Robertson of Kansas City, Kansas; Janet (Rick) Welch of Oskaloosa; a brother-in-law, Paul (Lupe) Dickerson of California; and a sister-in-law, Sandy Dickerson of Oskaloosa.
David was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Janet Gooding and Linda (Jim) Pervus, a great-niece, Amanda Phillips, and brothers-in-law, Dwight (Virgie) VanZee and Jerry Dickerson.
Memorial services for David will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory, with Pastor Joyce Hoyt officiating. The family will greet friends and visitors from 4:00 p.m. until service time. Memorial contributions may be made to Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House.
