E. Byron Fox

E. Byron Fox, 82, of Berne passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at his residence with his family present. He was born March 19, 1938, in Adams County to Herman Paul and Martha (Habegger) Fox. He was married August 17, 1968, in Burlington, Massachusetts to the love of his life, Mildred “Milly” Foye.
He was a lifelong member of the First Mennonite Church in Berne, where he sang in the Mennonite Choral Society, men’s chorus, chancel choir, the praise ensemble and the men’s quartet. He sang at many weddings and funerals with Fred Stauffer, and he served as youth pastor at First Mennonite Church from 1970-1976. He was part of the Taylor University’s men’s quartet, which traveled with evangelist Jack Wyrtzen in the early 1960s.
He proudly graduated from Hartford High School class of 1956. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and his master’s degree in elementary education from Ball State University. He taught elementary education in various places and cities including, Poplar Grove Elementary in Wells County, Scottsdale, Arizona and Newton, Massachusetts. He was a beloved teacher at South Adams Schools for over 36 years before retiring in 2003. He was also co-owner of F&S Painting with Ted Schwartz for 28 years.
For many years, he was the “voice of the Stardome,” where he announced countless boys and girls games. He coached junior high track for South Adams for several seasons and was involved in the elementary basketball programs. After retirement, he was involved in the Adams County jail ministries, and he served as a spiritual mentor for many young men.
He is survived by his wife of Berne; daughter, Sara Fox of Tampa, Florida; three sons, Ben (Dianna) Fox of Geneva; Andy (Jesica) Fox of Lebanon; and Joe (Jackie) Fox of Mooresville; brother, David (Judy) Fox of Berne; sister, Carol (Rex) King of Decatur; and seven grandchildren, Grant, Weston and Oaklyn Fox; Calvin Fox; and Rebel, Monroe and Story Fox.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Joyce Fox.
Visitation will be Friday, February 5 from 4-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral service Saturday, February 6 at First Mennonite Church in Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Jim Schwartz and Pastor Jeff Linthicum. Burial will be at MRE Cemetery. Face masks are required for the visitation and service.
Memorials may be made to First Mennonite Missions, The Hope Clinic, Taylor University and Three Oaks Christian School in Decatur.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.