Owen Martin "Marty" Fox, 85, of Keokuk, IA, died Friday, August 23, 2024 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

He was born on April 17, 1939 in Keokuk, the son of Albert Lee and Eva Pearl (Taylor) Fox.

Marty enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956 and proudly served his country for 21 years, retiring in 1977 with the rank of Master Sergeant. Throughout his 21 years he was stationed in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Vietnam, Germany, England, Alaska, Labrador and Utah and received many awards for his Honorable service. He finished his education in 1976 while stationed at RAF Greenham Common in Newbury, England

On May 26, 1958, Marty was united in marriage to Opal Jacquelyn "Jacquey" Bone in Chandler, AZ. He met Jacquey in Goose Bay, Labrador while her father was stationed there as a 1st Sgt. Jacquey preceded Marty in death on December 24, 2014.

Prior to entering the Air Force, Marty worked with his dad on the family farm in Edwardsville, IL. After his military retirement, he was a Police Officer with the Chandler, AZ Police Department. He then returned to Keokuk and worked at Decker Manufacturing Company. He purchased the business in 2009 and continued as owner-operator through present day.

He was a faithful member of All Saints Parish. He served on the Parish Council and was a trustee. He was a Eucharistic Minister for mass and also for the homebound. He was active with Crusillo retreats and had served on three Crusillo teams.

Marty was a member of the American Legion Post #41 and was the Post Commander for six years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight for six years. Marty also was a member of the Keokuk Country Club and the Lee County Republican Committee.

Marty loved golf, he lived and breathed it. He also enjoyed leatherwork, woodworking and feeding the birds. His most cherished family tradition was gathering with family at Christmas time.

He is survived by his son, Anthony (Deanna) Fox of Keokuk, three grandchildren, Martin (Ashley) Fox, Nathon (Elizabeth) Fox and Jessica (Brody) Forman, six grandchildren, Kellen, Lucy, Gavin and Conor Fox and Maia and Penelope Forman.

He is also survived by four sisters, Nellie Hellemeyer of Ft. Madison, Joyce (Mike) Johnson of Montrose, Linda Schrader of Montrose and Gloria (Bob) Dunn of Ft. Madison, and numerous nieces and nephews. Other survivors include his oldest and dearest friend, Darrell Johnson of Lousiana, and special friend Dorothy Cackley, his listening and dinner partner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jacquey, his daughter, Terra, two brothers, Ronald Fox and Marion "Smoky" Fox, four sisters, Sharon Seltzer, Norma Roth, Dorothy Roth and Orpha Decker, three brothers-in-law and a special friend, Keith Fink.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 am, Saturday, August 31, at All Saints Parish. Burial with Military Rites will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton, IL

Visitation was held on Friday, August 30, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home with the family meeting with friends at that time. A Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Keokuk Area Foundation (Fox Family Memorial Fund) or All Saints Parish or St. Jude Children's Hospital or PAW.