Rev. Melvin Fox, age 85, died on Aug. 15, 2023. Melvin Edwin Fox was born on Jan. 8, 1938 to Fred and Rose (née Fussman) Fox in Beal City, Michigan, and was brought up by his parents alongside seven siblings.
Father Fox attended Nottawa Township Schools and St. Philomena School both of Beal City, Michigan, St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids, St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, and St. John Seminary in Plymouth. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1963, by Bishop Allen J. Babcock at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
In June 1963, Father Fox was appointed parochial vicar of Sacred Heart; in September 1963, parochial vicar of St. Francis Xavier; in June 1968, parochial vicar of St. Patrick in Portland; in August 1970, parochial vicar of Holy Spirit; in February 1972, administrator of Sacred Heart in Evart and St. Agnes in Marion; in October 1972, pastor of Sacred Heart in Evart and St. Agnes in Marion; in May 1978, temporary administrator of St. Philip Neri in Reed City and St. Ann Mission in Paris; in June 1979, pastor of Holy Family in Sparta; in June 1985, pastor of Prince of Peace in North Muskegon; in July 1997, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul in Ionia. He was granted senior priest status on July 1, 2009.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Please keep Father Mel and his family in your prayers.
Funeral arrangements
Visitation: Monday, August 21 from 10-11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, August 21 at 11 a.m. with Bishop Walkowiak presiding and Father Lou Anderson, homilist
Both visitation and the funeral Mass will be held at:
St. Pius X Catholic Church
3937 Wilson Ave. SW
Grandville, Michigan 49418
Read Father Mel’s obituary (Dignity Memorial website)
