Clyde Fox

Clyde Curtis Fox, 84, passed away Saturday evening, July 30, 2011 at Crystal Care Center in Mansfield. Born June 8, 1927 in Toledo, Ohio, he was the son of the late Rex Wells and Hazel Blanche (Jones) Fox. Clyde graduated in 1945 from Hartford High School and immediately began his studies at Denison University. He interrupted his schooling when he entered the U.S. Navy serving from 1945 to 1946. Clyde then continued his studies at Denison University earning his B.S. in Physics in 1951. He was active in the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Clyde began his working career with Westinghouse Appliance in 1951 and in 1975, began a career in other various appliance related fields. He retired from Emerson Electric in 1993 where he was employed as a Sales Engineer. Clyde remained active in the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and the Denison Inter-Fraternity Council throughout his adult life.

He was a member of Ontario United Methodist Church for many years and was also active in his children’s school activities and organizations. A community minded man, Clyde was a former Washington Township trustee and member of the Madison Township Zoning Commission in the mid 1950s.

Clyde was an accomplished private pilot logging nearly 2000 hours of flight in light aircraft and was a member of the Mansfield Aviation Club, OX5, University Club of Mansfield, Expert Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter in Huron and Portage Valley Flying Club.

An all-around Mr. Fix-It, he was a man who could fix anything (or gave it his best shot) and collected many pieces and parts to fuel his passion for fixing throughout the years. At one point, he rebuilt and overhauled a Piper Tri-Pacer that he flew for many years. He enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and southern Canada with his family in his treasured travel trailer.

Possessing a forward thinking nature, Clyde designed and constructed a nine room sandstone veneer home that featured a cost effective radiant heating system long before it was common in construction.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Fox of Green Springs; children, LaVon Danals of Mansfield, Curtis Fox of Cincinnati and Jane (David) Lawrence of Mentor; stepchildren, Toni (Bob) Stiffler and Jeff (Melissa) Wadsworth, all of Green Springs; grandchildren, Jason Marietta and Kristin Danals, both of Mansfield; step grandchildren, Jami and Dylan Stiffler and McKenzie and William Wadsworth, all of Green Springs; great-granddaughter, Kaylee Danals of Mansfield; sisters, Mae Fox of Madison, WI and Mary (Dick) Surrett of Buffalo, WY; sister-in-law, Shirley Selvey of Green Springs; and many treasured special friends made throughout the years. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna (Stinehelfer) Fox.

Friends and family may visit from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Sondra Snode officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park with military honors presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad. Contributions in Clyde’s memory may be made to the Young Eagles at Mansfield Lahm Airport, Crystal Care Center or a charity of the donor’s choice.