Louis B. Fox

As lovingly described by his daughter Lori, "Louis Fox was a gentle soul with a twinkle in his eye." He was a caring and sensitive man, yet hardworking and dependable. He never thought twice about lending a hand to a friend or family in need of help. Above all else, Louis enjoyed being surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. They were the people that he shared life with, and the ones that he loved with all his heart. The year was 1921, and America was still in celebration of its momentous victory in World War I, and beginning to rev up for the Roaring Twenties. Companies were increasing productivity and many Americans found prosperity working in the newly developed manufacturing sector. While a renewed sense of hope surrounded the nation, Archie Fox and his wife, Hallie (Musselman), of New Era, Michigan, focused on a new ray of hope in their family with the birth of their son, Louis Benton, on February 12, 1921. Family folklore says it was quite a sight for his parents to see President Abe Lincoln birthing their son - well the doctor dressed up as Abe Lincoln. It seems he was on his way to a program when he got the word of Louis' imminent arrival. Louis was born and raised on their family farm in New Era, where he created many unforgettable childhood memories with his three sisters, Esther, Marian and Geraldine, and five brothers, Ben, Hubert, John, William and Gerald. Louis was the sixth of nine in the sibling lineup. His parents kept their large family fed with the bounty from their small farm and on occasion would sell some extra at the town market for additional money. Louis received his elementary education in the area one-room school and then later went to live with relatives in Shelby so he could complete his education at Shelby High School. After graduating, Louis immediately entered the workforce, taking a job at Sealed Power in Muskegon until his enlistment in the U.S. Army in 1942. He proudly served with the 95th Division, known as the "Iron Men of Metz", the 3060th Field Artillery - Battery B. Louis held the rank of Sergeant and was in charge of the 155 Gun crew, this gun was very large in size. He and his men were sent to Europe following the D-Day invasion and came ashore on the beaches of the infamous Normandy, luckily though it was well after the actual battle. After the war ended, Louis returned home to his family, but remained in close contact with many of his solider buddies throughout his life. They were his "family" for his many years in service and Louis attended over 40 reunions, where he could reconnect with many of them. Once settled back into civilian life, Louis tried to return to his job at Sealed Power, but at the time, they were on strike, so he went to work for Consumers Power in their newly constructed B.C. Cobb Electrical Generating Plant. Louis was a hardworking and loyal employee at Consumers for 37 years, during which time he worked on several different shifts as a Shift Supervisor and covered other employees who were on vacation. Louis was very familiar with every aspect of the plant, which enabled him to work in many different areas of the facility, including around the hot boilers, which he really didn't mind. He eventually retired in 1985. Aside from finding a new job when he returned from the war, Louis also found the love of his life, Catherine Hartman. Although she was only 17 when they first met, Catherine was very mature for her age, not to mention smart - she even graduated high school early. The two met each other because they hung around with the same group of friends. Catherine couldn't help but notice Louis - he was so very handsome and had a smile that swept her off her feet. She remembers "he was fun to be with" and it wasn't long before the couple began dating. Over the next year their love for each other blossomed and they were happily married at Catherine's church, Covenant Reformed Church in Muskegon, in 1947. The newlyweds wasted no time in starting their family and a year after marrying they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Kay, in 1948. With a growing family, Louis and Catherine bought their first home on Sherman Boulevard in Muskegon for $5,500. After several years here, they decided to build a new home for their family in the Beachwood area, starting in 1955. In those days, everyone built their houses with the help and manpower of family and friends, and this is how Louis built their house, side by side with family and friends. Then, in 1958, their family grew to include their daughter, Lori, who completed the Fox family. Louis couldn't be happier being a father to his two beautiful daughters. He took an active role in every phase of their lives, fully supporting them in their school activities and other events, attending them every chance he got. Catherine was a stay-at-home mom until their youngest daughter Lori went to school. She worked a variety of jobs, including at the Intermediate School District, but then had the desire to go back to school herself to become a teacher. Interestingly, Catherine attended classes as Western Michigan University the same time her daughter Kay was on campus. Catherine went on to become a dedicated teacher in the Grand Haven schools for 19 years. Time together as a family was always important to Louis and Catherine, and they took many opportunities to travel with their daughters when they were growing up. They enjoyed lots of memorable car trips to Canada and out west, and after Kay went off to college, Louis, Catherine and Lori took up camping in their small trailer from time to time. Louis and Catherine also got a chance to go to Europe as chaperones with Lori's school choir. After the girls were both grown and out of the house, Louis and Catherine began to travel more extensively, particularly with Elderhostel, an educational travel organization for older adults. Most of their trips were of historical sites and landmarks, and with the help of local guides and tours, they always learned much. Their excursions took them to places like Hawaii, San Francisco, Europe, Vermont and New Orleans (just to name a few). They enjoyed the luxury of many nice hotels in their travels, though on occasion the Elderhostel groups also stayed on college campuses. After Louis retired, the couple began spending time in Texas with some close friends during the winter months, away from snow and cold weather. Looking to their retirement years, Louis and Catherine decided to buy some property on Platte Lake, near Beulah, Michigan, in 1982, and build a summer house. Although they had the mainframe built by contractors, Louis pretty much finished the interior of the house with the help of friends. Once done, Louis and Catherine spent many relaxing summers here, truly enjoying retirement life. Louis found his favorite seat on the deck, where he could watch the birds and the beautiful sunsets over the lake. Being retired also meant that Louis could watch sports events on television whenever he wanted, play cards or just jump in the car for a leisure drive. Always very active, Louis made golf a big part of his retirement too. He played on several leagues, including one for Consumers Power as well as a couples' league with Catherine. It wasn't unusual for him to be hitting 18 holes several days a week on these leagues, some at courses in Muskegon and others in and around Platte Lake. Of all the great things in Louis' life though, spending time with his loved ones towered above the rest. His three grandchildren were the apples of his eye and when his daughter Lori lived in the Glenside area, Louis stopped in to see his grandkids every day. Like with his daughters, he attended all of their school and sporting events and loved to take them with him golfing, fishing or just spending time together. He was a wonderful Grandpa! Because of his many years of exposure to asbestos at the BC Cobb Plant, Louis developed emphysema and had kidney problems. Then, last summer he had surgery to relieve an aneurysm, which left him dependant on oxygen, but he never let this slow him down. Then, in October of last year he went on dialysis for his kidneys, but his health continued to grow weaker so he decided to stop dialysis. Surrounded by the constant love of his family, Louis died on Wednesday, at the Poppen Hospice House. Although Louis will be deeply missed, his legacy of love and dedication leaves his loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort. Louis Benton Fox, age 85, of Muskegon, MI, died Wednesday, March 29, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Catherine; 2 daughters, Kay (John) Rowe of FL & Lori (David) Rhem of Spring Lake; 3 grandchildren, Katie, Sarah & Mark Rhem; many nieces & nephews. Louis was preceded in death by 3 sisters and 5 brothers. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 1, at 11:30 a.m. at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Richard Morrison officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may visit with Louis' family on Friday, March 31, from 7-9 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Louis, sign the online guestbook or make a memorial contribution to either Poppen Hospice House, Lake Harbor United Methodist Church or Covenant Community Church.