Mark D. Fox

Mark Douglas Fox, a loving, kind, gentle Husband, Father and Poppie left his earthly home October 8th, 2020 at the age of 75. Mark was born May 5th, 1945 in Marshall, Minnesota to his loving parents: Lorraine Mae (Haraldson) and Del Merle Fox. Mark is survived by his loyal wife of 52 years, Linda Fox. Daughters Melissa (Fox) Thompson husband Chris and Christine Fox; grandchildren, Elijah, Noah, Zeke, Joseph (Tamara), Trey, Elizabeth and Nicole. Sister, Kathy Giles; Brother-in-law, Steve (Beth) Hollon; niece, Gigi Johnson; nephews, Greg (Sasha) Johnson, Scott (Aimee) Hollon, Mike Hollon; great-nieces, Maddie and Anneliese; great-nephews, Harrison and Brigham. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Del and Lorraine Fox and sweet baby Michael. Mark lived in Marshall, MN for the first 16 years of his life. He enjoyed the outdoors and fell in love with wild game hunting. He and his father, Del, spent time together hunting and fishing in Minnesota and Canada. When Mark's mother passed away suddenly when he was 16 he moved to Austin, Texas. He graduated from high school in Austin in 1963. Following high school Mark proudly enlisted into the US Air Force where he served as a Supply Sergeant from 1964 to 1967. While in the USAF he was stationed in Lincoln, Nebraska where Mark met the love of his life on a blind date in 1965. His next deployment led him to Anchorage, Alaska, "The Hunter's Paradise". After completing his Military tour Mark went on to marry Linda Hollon on Valentine's Day 1968 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The newlyweds then moved to OKC for Mark to start his career in the paper industry. His first sales job was for Carpenter Paper. Mark and Linda then moved to Austin, TX to further learn and develop his paper selling skills from his father. In October 1971 Mark moved to Carpenter Paper in Tulsa. He became the leading salesman in the paper industry; he won salesman of the year more times than his competitors could count. Mark was well known and loved for his skills in the paper industry. He worked hard to get the best deals for his clients and firmly believed in honesty in his business and personal life. He lived by the motto "A man's word is his bond". One of his proudest achievements was becoming a 32nd degree Mason, following in his father's footsteps. He was a man who sought to serve others and in being a Mason would allow him to observe others at a greater reach. Mark had a son, Michael Channing Fox, that was born an angel on October 25, 1971. Mark was devastated and genuinely thought of his son daily. He often wondered what Michael would have been like and would he have had his brown eyes. We rejoice knowing they are together in Heaven hunting, fishing and telling all the great stories of life. In 1973 his daughter Melissa (Missy) was born and then in 1975 he got his brown eyed Christine. In his lifetime he was the best father a girl could have. He was patient, kind, loving and always making sure his girls felt loved. Mark spent his free time hunting, dog training and serving as an active dedicated member on the Bow Council of Oklahoma. He enjoyed the BOA because it allowed him time with other bow enthusiasts and time to teach young up and coming bow hunters. Poppie also spent time teaching his grandchildren how to shoot a bow. There may have been some interesting moments but no one was harmed, and fun was had by all. Mark retired from the paper industry in 2003 after many health issues began to develop. It was so extremely hard for him to walk away from a booming career. He was at the top of the paper industry and had accomplished so much. To this day people still speak fondly of him and reference how good he was at his job. In 2004, after having health issues and many years of differing diagnosis it was found that he had Lewy Body Dementia. This was a crushing diagnosis for Mark and began years of sadness and a fight to find a way to continue life as normal as possible. Mark always faced adversity with hope and perseverance. He desperately fought the disease until his last moments. Mark loved fiercely and anyone that knew him loved him back. He could walk into any room and make new friends instantly. He was truly the good in this world. Mark would often stop and pick up people walking on the side of the road and take them where they needed to go. Much to his families panic and orders to stop. His family watched him buy food for families in need. Mark never let someone's needs go unfilled. He was generous and loved to make people know that they mattered. He loved spoiling his wife and made sure Linda felt like a queen. Mark taught his daughters that life is tough sometimes but they have Fox blood in them, and they can do great things. Over the years he made friends into family. Gene and Emily Makela and their children Annie, Kathy and the Rev. Matt Makela. Gene was a brother to Mark and through the years the two of them made great hunting memories. Some of which we can tell in public and some that will remain top secret. Our hearts will forever be missing our sweet Husband, Father and Grandfather. He was the soul of his family and joy of our lives. We know he is at peace with his heavenly father and has been made new. He is watching over each of us, and walking streets made of gold. We grieve because we were LOVED. Viewing will be 12-8pm, Monday, October 12, 2020 with family present from 5 to 7pm at Moore Funeral Home - Southlawn Chapel; 9350 E 51st, Tulsa, OK. Funeral services are 10am, Tuesday at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E 91st St, Tulsa, OK with interment directly following at Forth Gibson National Cemetery.

Mark D. Fox

May 5, 1945 - October 8, 2020