Donald Ray Fox, 60, son of Claude and Peggy Longwell Fox, was born Feb. 5, 1947, near Success. He died June 28, 2007.
Mr. Fox was a life-long resident of Licking, graduating from high school in 1965.
He owned and operated Fox Funeral Home for 36 years, joined in the endeavor by his wife the last 22 years.
He was a supporter of the City of Licking: serving 10 years as mayor, from 1983-’93; two years as a consultant for the correctional center project, ’97-’99; and seven years as alderman, 1999-’06.
Mr. Fox was a volunteer, serving on committees and boards for the Licking Senior Citizen Housing, Texas County Library, riding a donkey to benefit the parks department, flipping pancakes at the fire department breakfast or greeting governors as they visited the city.
Among the projects completed during his tenures were a new city hall, park additions, fire station/community room, water well, water tower, waste-water treatment facility and progress in economic development.
As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed farming, raising cattle, fishing and being with his dog, Sammy. He was active in the Field Trial Sportsman Association, judging field trial events throughout the U.S. and teaching fellow sportsmen.
He was a member of the Quail Forever Piney River Covey of Texas County and the Licking United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Surviving are his wife, Carol; two daughters, Dawn Schieler of Terra Belle, Calif., and Rhonda Rao of Kansas City; his mother of Rolla; sister, Cindy Hammonds of Steelville; and three grandchildren
Graveside services were July 1 at the Concord Cemetery with the Rev. Connie Bell officiating under the direction of Fox Funeral Home.
Memorials may be to the Licking branch of the Texas County Library or Quail Forever Big Piney River Covey.
