Charles Fox

Charles "Vernon" Fox lost his battle with diabetes and heart disease on March 18, 2017. Vernon was born in Idaho Falls on Oct. 11, 1940, to Marietta (West) and David Fox. He was the last born of six children, and oh boy, was he babied!

In his younger years in Idaho Falls, Vernon attended school and spent a great deal of time with his nephews, niece and other family members just doing what kids do. It was at this time that he created an extremely close bond with his nephew, Roy DeFilippis. That bond remained strong until the end.

In his late teens, Vernon moved to Westover Air Force Base, Mass., where he lived with his brother, Derl, and sister-in-law, Ellie (he called her mother) and their four children. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and shipped out to sea on the USS Pyro. He served proudly for four years.

Following his military career, Vernon settled in California where he met and married Karen Bates (later divorced). Together, they had two sons, David and Richard.

Vernon was so very proud to be a dad and he was quite good at it. He had a special way with children. Later in life he became a proud and honored to be the grandfather to Charles (14) and Richel (12).

While in California, he spent years working as the office manager for Pacific Galvanizing. He retired at a fairly early age and relocated to Mountain Home where he was surrounded by family and began the next chapter in his life.

He worked for Demeyer Furniture for many years before retiring for good. Vernon had enough of that "work" stuff.

Vernon was pretty colorful character and was known by many different nicknames: Charlie, Vern, Uncle Vervon (with a "V" in the middle) and Fox. He was an ambitious salvager and a collector of anything and everything.

His passion was collecting anything with fox on it or anything fox related. He had quite the collection. He was an avid golfer, bowler, motorcyclist and enjoyed playing cards with his buddies.

Most of all Vernon enjoyed people, he became a friend in an instant and for the ladies... he always wanted a hug.

He enjoyed road trips, especially his annual trips to the Reno Air Show with his brother, Dean, and friends Don and Jerry. And then there was those adventurous trips to the yearly Fox-West family reunions in Idaho Falls with brother Dean. It would take them days to get 300 miles. Once there, it was all about the laughs and the hugs.

Vernon is survived by his son, David and his wife, Brenda; son Richard, grandchildren Charles and Rachel, brother Dean and sister-in-law Ellie along with countless nieces, nephews and their children. He is also survived by some extremely good friends, Bill, Mary and Jim.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Derl Fox, sisters Vermont Fistolera, LaVenda McMurtrey, LaVeda Fann and numerous other relatives and friends.

At Vernon's request, no formal services will be conducted; he wanted "no fuss." There will be a family gathering at a later date.

Family and friends will remember Vernon in their own special and personal way. Vernon, we will miss you. Bye Baby!

Cremation was under the care of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home.