Keith E. Fox, 93, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at Parkview Whitley Hospital at 2:35 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Born on January 21, 1930, in Wabash County, Indiana, he was a son of the late Robert E. and Aletha O. (Christman) Fox. He began school in Huntington Twp., later moving to Warren Twp., Huntington, Indiana, where he graduated from Bippus High School in 1948. He continued his education at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, earning a Bachelor of Music. He later earned a Master of Music Education from VanderCook College in 1964.

After graduating from the Conservatory, he went to work for International Harvester in Melrose Park, IL, then transferred to the proving grounds in Huntsville, MO. In September 1953, he embarked on a career-long journey as an educator and director in music when he began teaching music and band at Wells County schools of Lancaster, Ossian, and Union. Meeting his wife while teaching in Wells County, he married Rosemary L. "Rosey" James on October 15, 1954. The couple made their first home in Bippus. In 1964, the couple moved to a small farm with their two children outside Columbia City.

In 1957, he started with Noble Twp. School in Wabash County, and 1960, he began teaching at Columbia City Joint High School, where he became the Head of the Music Department for the school system in 1976. His love of teaching music encompassed the students at the elementary feeder schools, which included nine locations and 13 music teachers. He was instrumental in introducing young students to music and fostering those interested in learning to play musical instruments. After 37  years of teaching music education, he retired in 1992.

In his retirement years, he spent his summers at their place on the Rainy River in northern Minnesota, visiting the kids, wherever they were living at the time, woodworking, and enjoying camaraderie with the "coffee" guys several times a week.

Keith was an upstanding son, husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family, his neighbors, and his friends. His robust sense of humor carried him through the tough times right through to his last days. He ran his race well and reached out for Jesus' hand as he stepped from here into eternal life, free from pain and full of joy.

Surviving is his wife of 68 years, Rosey; a daughter, Kathy (Ted) Vancil of Bigfork, MN and a son, Brian Keith Fox of Baudette, MN; a granddaughter, Alexandra (John) Corey; and sisters, Joan Drayer and Linda (Ralph) Hunnicutt both of Huntington.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Fox.

A memorial gathering is from 9:30 a.m. until 11 when the Memorial Service will begin at St Matthews Community Church, 1460 E 500N, Columbia City, on Saturday, March 4th. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials are to St Matthew Community Church.