Obituary of Donald Herbert Fox

Donald Herbert Fox was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 28, 1930, the oldest of two sons born to the late William and Emily (Kantzer) Fox.   Donald grew up in the Walled Lake area and graduated from Redford Union High School.   Following high school, he attended Wayne State University and the University of Detroit Dental School.  

Donald married the love of his life, the former Ruth Werner on April 9, 1954 in Detroit, and the couple was blessed with three children:  Sharon, William, and David.   He served his country honorably as a Captain in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957.  

For more than thirty years, Don practiced dentistry in Adrian.   He loved his work, often being available on weekends for emergency procedures, sometimes taking payment of fruits and vegetables from local farmers who were unable to pay.  He was a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations.  

Donald enjoyed working around the home and woodworking; a talented photographer, he could be counted on to catalog family events and experiences.   He also enjoyed keeping up with the Detroit Tigers. Don loved to be outside and especially enjoyed being around the water.  Countless memories were made at the family’s cottage on Devils Lake, where Don enjoyed fishing and sailing.  Many wonderful fishing trips were taken across Michigan as well.

Donald Herbert Fox, age 87 of Adrian passed away peacefully at Brookdale of Monroe on December 29, 2017.   In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by a sister in law: Leatrice Fox.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife of sixty-three years: Ruth Fox; daughter: Sharon (Eric) Jenkins of Monroe; two sons: William (Michele) Fox of Wheeling, Illinois and David (Deborah) Fox of Rochester Hills; brother:  William Fox of Ripon, Wisconsin; five grandchildren: Jennifer (William) O’Grady of Monroe, Terra Fox of Grand Rapids, Ryan Fox of Lowell, Arkansas, Krista Fox (Ryan Walsh) of Kalamazoo, and Brandon Fox of Wheeling, Illinois.

Friends are invited from 5:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday, August 24, 2018 to attend a Celebration of Donald's Life at the Steele Carriage House, 132 North Main Street, Adrian, Michigan 49221 (located behind Croswell Opera House).   A memorial service will take place at 7:00pm with Reverend Drew Hart officiating.   Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.   Memorials are suggested to the Lenawee Humane Society.   Online guests may visit merklefs.com.