Douglas E. Fox, 93

Douglas E. Fox, 93, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with family and close friends at his bedside. He was born on June 8, 1918, at his father s homestead at Rosses Hole near Sula, to Clinton and Bessie (Overturf) Fox. As a child, Doug learned to hunt and fish, and he loved riding his horse bareback over the hills of the French basin. Doug attended the one-room schoolhouse in Sula and Darby High School. He was the first draft from the Bitterroot Valley to serve in the Army in the South Pacific during World War II. Doug was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the American Defense Service Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After the war he drove for Consolidated Freight Ways, logged with his brother in the Bitterroot Valley and worked as a hospital attendant at Fort Harrison where he met his wife, Mary Jo Hurly, who was an RN. Doug attended Montana State University in Missoula, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master in Education degree. He taught science classes in Darby and Glendive and at Flathead High School. He collected and repaired old clocks. Doug was an excellent gardener and one of the founders of the Kalispell Farmers Market. He was an active life member of the DAV Chapter 4 and served as a State Department commander in 1987-1988. Doug is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, at the family home; two daughters, Alice Yvonne Fox-Sills and husband, David, of Missoula, and Jean Fox at the family home; son, Mark Fox, at the family home; three grandchildren, Tom and wife, Tammy, Tina and Christy; seven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends. He also leaves behind his loving schnauzer, Schnapps. Funeral services for Doug will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Ron Youde of Central Bible Church officiating. Burial will be at Glacier Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Douglas family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Doug s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.