James E. "Elwood" Fox, 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Born on February 26, 1932, in Wick, WV., he was the son of the late James E. and Vergie Fox.
Elwood moved to Chester, WV., in 1943. He attended Chester Central School and graduated from Chester High School Class of 1950.
He married the love of his life, Janet R. McIntosh, his former classmate, on July 28, 1951. During their 70 years of marriage, they celebrated the birth of three children, Terri Lynn, James D., and Scott D.
Elwood enlisted in the Army Reserve in Wheeling, WV., when he was 19 years old while attending West Liberty State College. He progressed through the enlisted ranks to Sergeant First Class, when he received a second lieutenant commission. He then had progressive unit assignments during his career, culminating as Battalion Commander of the 463rd Engineer Battalion. One of his Engineer Companies was designated the Outstanding Army Reserve Engineer Company in the United States. In 1992, having served 33 years of military service, he retired at the rank of Colonel. He was assigned as an Engineer Staff Officer, Headquarters, 1st U.S. Army during his last three years.
Elwood's civilian employment was working in the Production Control Department of Colt Industries for 31 years, followed by being the Fox Nursing Home Inc. Administrator. The Nursing Home is now known as The Orchards at Foxcrest and The Orchards of East Liverpool and is owned and operated by his sons.
Elwood was a former Trustee/Chairman of Lawrenceville Public District, Past President of local United Steel Workers of America, Board of Directors of the West Virginia Health Care Association, and West Virginia Advisory Council.
He was a member of the First Christian Church in Chester, as well as a lifetime member of the Reserve Officer Association and American Legion Post 121. He was also a member of the Chester Newell Area Chamber of Commerce and Chester Kiwanis Club.
Elwood will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Janet R. Fox; sons, James D. Fox and his wife, Alice of Chester and Scott D. Fox and his fiancé, Kristin Barker of Fox Chapel; daughter, Terri Reese of Chester; grandchildren, Mallory Goodlin (Chris), Kaelin Fox (Missy Reed) and Hailey Fox; great-grandchildren, Hannah Kelly, David Fox, and Levi Reed-Fox.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Marion Wilson, and his son-in-law, Harold Reese.
Pastor Toby Wilson will celebrate Elwood's life Friday, January 13, 2023, at Arner Funeral Chapel, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Locust Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit with his family on Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 2–4 pm and from 6–8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church in Chester, 330 Indiana Ave. Chester, WV. 26034.
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