Joseph Fox

Joseph "Joe" Fox, 93, of Patterson, MO, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Cedarhurst Senior Living, Granite City, IL. He was born in Chaonia, MO, August 17, 1929, to parents Thomas and Zeba (Cox) Fox.  

Joe was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He retired from Granite City Steel where he was a railroad engineer for 35 years. He was a faithful Christian and enjoyed attending church at Patterson Baptist Church where, over the years, he served as a deacon and song leader.  He could also be counted on to help with any building, maintenance, and mowing projects for the church and parsonage.  Joe had a passion for music and enjoyed playing the guitar and singing with his wife and family.  After retiring and moving to Patterson, Joe put his carpentry skills to good use and, together with his brother Fred, built several homes and buildings in the area.  Joe loved to camp and also enjoyed helping people, so he and his wife, Lorene, volunteered with Campers for Missions where they traveled to various locations to help build churches. In Joe’s spare time he enjoyed working on cars and small engines. People throughout the area knew to bring him any lawn mowers that needed fixing.  

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of seventy and a half years; Wilma Lorene (Tucker) Fox; brothers; Thomas Fox, Fred Fox, Frank Fox, Claud Fox, Samuel "Bert" Fox; sisters: Dorothy Eyerman, Oma Fox, Tempie Johnston, Mary Aubuchon, Helen "Bernice" Killian.  

Joe is survived by his children: Barbara Mersinger of Granite City, IL, Deborah (Lonnie Jr.) Dye of Serena, IL, Janet (Michael) Matchett of Montville, NJ; grandchildren: April Nelson, Laura Dye, Lonnie Dye III, Kaley Matchett, Kyle Matchett; great grandchildren: Cole Sateikis, Dylan Sateikis, Lonnie Elliott Dye, Brody Nelson. Joe will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  

Visitation was held Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 12:00-2:00 pm, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont, MO. Funeral service followed at 2:00 pm, also at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont, MO. Bro. Callum Reevey ministered to the family. Debbie Dye read a heartfelt poem. Janet Matchett gave a heartfelt tribute. Lonnie Dye Jr, Lonnie Dye III, Cole Sateikis, Michael Matchett, Kyle Matchett , Fred Fox Jr. served as pallbearers. April Nelson, Laura Dye, Kaley Matchett served as honorary pallbearers. Burial followed at Rowland-Woods Cemetery near Patterson, MO. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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