Ronald Ross Fox

Ronald Ross Fox

Ott

Ronald Ross Fox, age 68, a long time resident of Brighton, currently of Ottumwa, Iowa, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2022, in the VA hospital after battling lung cancer.

Ron was born in Washington, Iowa, January 27, 1954, the son of Vernon S and Lavondia L Simpson Fox. He grew up in Brighton, Iowa, and graduated from Washington High School in 1972.

Following graduation, he enlisted with long time friend Ken Gray in the United States Army. He completed his basic training in Ft. Ord California, and was stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1975, achieving the rank of Sergeant E5. Ron’s experience in the Army played a very important role in his life. The Army taught him the value of discipline, dedication and hard work.

Upon returning home, he started working at Keating Steel Fabrication, as a self taught welder. He married Linda Lyon Fox in 1976, and they were later divorced.

In 1990, he opened his own business Fox Fit It Shop, serving the local farmers repairing farm equipment. He retired in 2010 after 34 years of welding. After retirement, he moved to Ottumwa, Iowa. He stayed busy working at the Co-Op and driving construction crews around Iowa. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, boating, camping, mushrooming, traveling and spending time with family.

In 2022, he had the privilege to take part in the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington DC. He was accompanied by veteran friend, Alicia Jacobs, who helped him on the trip.

He is survived by his children, Brian Fox of Brighton and Erica Hammes (Seth) of Ollie; three grandchildren, Ryann, Kailyn and Tristan; two brothers, Randy Fox (Tracy) of Brighton and Roy Fox (Rebecca) of Savannah, GA; nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; and daughter, Jennifer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday December 1, 2022, at the Brighton Community Church, with Rev. Rick Zickefoose officiating. Burial will follow at Sandy Hook Cemetery north of Brighton. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening at Gould Funeral Home in Brighton from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Memorials to American Legion Post No. 29 may be left at the funeral home or Church or mailed to the family at 201 South Harrison Street, Brighton, IA 52540.