Lt. Col. Carlos Lee Fox, Sr., USAF Retired, 86, of Center, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2009 at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born February 20, 1923 in Bowling Green, Kentucky to Carl James Fox and Lucille Lee Miller Fox. Col. Fox was retired from the U.S. Air Force, having served during WWII, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. He was a member of the Rotary Club, VFW Post #8904 and First United Methodist Church of Center.
Col. Fox began his military career in the Army air Corps with pilot training on the biplane and ended with the Space Shuttle Progam (1951-1974). His many awards and his achievements included:
Col. Fox began his military career in the Army Air Corps with pilot training on the biplane and ended with the Space Shuttle Program (1951 - 1974). His many awards and achievements included:
* Chief, Air Force Operations, Space Shuttle Program, Kennedy Space Center, FL
* Director of Civil Engineering for the development of Manned Orbiting Laboratory (Space Shuttle Program)
* Member of Site Selection Committee for NASA Space Shuttle Program
* Air Force Regional Civil Engineer - Ubon, Thailand
* Chief Project Engineer for the Titan Launch Facilities - Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL & Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA
* Military Liaison to the King of Denmark, Sondrestrom Air Base, Greenland
* Veteran of WWII, Korea, & Vietnam
* Retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Air Force
* President of the Society of Military Engineers
* Pilot of numerous aircraft including the Grumman HU-16 Albatross
* Record Holder for the longest over-water search & rescue mission
* Over 5,000 hours of flying time
* Sr. Pilot & Sr. Missile Man
* Kentucky Colonel
* Top Secret Clearance
* Cold War Certificate from French Consulate

Through his career, Col. Fox received numerous medals including American Campaign Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Expeditionary Service Award, European-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the WW II Victory Medal.

During his retirement, Col. Fox enjoyed being an active member of the community. He was honored by the Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow for his services in the community, including developing the "Fun for Funds" Scholarship fundraiser. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Col. Fox's honor to the Catherine Pinkston Scholarship Fund or the First United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, Monday, October 12, 2009 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Watson & Sons Chapel with Rev. Greg Megill and Bro. Fred Bird officiating. Military Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
He is survived by:
Wife, Cathy Fox of Center

Sons:
Mike Fox and wife Angi of Pearland, Texas
Carlos Lee Fox, Jr. & wife Alyssa of Stafford, Texas
Daughters:
Brenda Lee Hemry and husband Don of Oakhurst, California
Kay Simas and husband Robert of Ahwahnee, California
Carole Newgent and husband Steve of Kissimmee, Florida
Tradie Galindo and husband Ben of Granbury, Texas
Twenty-One grandchildren and Eighteen great-grandchildren.
Brothers:
Carl James Fox, Jr. and wife Hildie of Sebring, Florida
Joseph Fox and wife Audria of Battle Creek, Michigan
Sister: Barbara Smith and husband Gilbert of Bowling Green, Kentucky
Adopted Son: Luis Salazar and wife Wendy of Center
God Son: Alex Munoz of Center

Sister-in-Law: Pauline Kaper and husband Ronnie of Center
Brother-in-Laws:
Roy Lamden and wife Sandra of Amarillo,Texas
Troy Lamden and wife Kathy of Graham, Texas

Caretaker and Special Friend of the Family: Sheila Dixon - whose compassion, care and devotion made his last days the best they could be.

He was preceded in death by:
Parents, Carl James Fox & Lucille Lee Miller Fox
Son, Ted Fox
Sisters, Martha Beckwith and Peggy Evens