Dalton J. Fox

June 6, 1924- November 24, 2024

Dalton J. Fox of Portland, Oregon passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024, at the age of 100, with his wife by his side.

Dalton was born June 6, 1924, the firstborn son to Dalton B. and Florence L. (Picklesimer) Fox in Independence, Oregon.  The siblings to follow were Jack, Colleen, Harold and Milton.

He enjoyed his early years growing up in Independence and had many lifelong friends from his school years.  He excelled in sports lettering in football, basketball, and baseball.  He graduated from Independence High School in 1942.

In 1942, Dalton enlisted in the Navy and was sent to Farragut, Idaho for boot camp.  One week from completion of boot camp, he contracted rheumatic fever and spent 90 days in the infirmary.  When he was released from the infirmary, he completed his final week of boot camp and was sent to gunnery school in San Diego, CA.  He was then sent to San Francisco, CA and was assigned to the Liberty Ship Amy Lowell and served as gunner’s mate in the South Pacific.  Dalton was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946.

He was previously married to Marie Johnson, and they had a daughter Karen and a son Larry.

Dalton went to work for Pacific NW Bell as an installer/Repairman in Salem, OR in 1946.  He worked in various cities around the state retiring as a Teletype Repairman in Portland, OR in 1983.

He met his wife Christine in Portland, OR and they were married in 1978.  They were devoted parents to their daughter Emily.

Dalton enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, camping and gardening.  He loved Westerns, especially if John Wayne was in it and any Johhny Cash song.  He was a Trailblazer and Mariner’s fan for years.  He met you with a smile along with “Good to see you-how are you doing?”  He had a great sense of humor along with a quick wit.  He was a true gentleman and one of kind that will be greatly missed

He was a member of Masonic Lyon Lodge No. 29 of Independence, OR;  VFW Post 4248 of Portland, OR; American Legion Post 180 of Milwaukie, OR; Milwaukie Elks Lodge # 142 of Milwaukie, OR; and Parkrose # 151 OES of Portland, OR.

Dalton was preceded in death by his daughter Karen Vickerman, grandson Leon Jones, great-grandson Dalton Jones; his parents; brothers Jack, Harold and Milton and half-brother Robert and sister Colleen McIntosh. He is survived by his wife Christine of 46 years; son Larry (Judy) of Salem, OR; daughter Emily (Craig) Gaines of San Diego, CA; half-brothers Don of Kingman, AZ and Doug (Diana) of Lyons, OR; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A military service will be held at a date yet to be finalized with arrangements by Omega Funeral and Cremation Service.  A Special thanks to the VA for Dalton’s care for many years.