Rayburn Fox

CARBONDALE – R. Rayburn Fox, 87, of Carbondale passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Residences at Deer Creek Assisted Living in Schererville, Indiana. He was born October 1, 1931 in Elkville, Illinois. Son of Raleigh Fox and Magnolia (Rees) Fox. Married Charlene (Williams) Fox on June 2, 1957. Preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Denver Rees, and four sisters, Stella Bayless (Guy), Ilah Tow (Leo), Ethel Flowers, and Bonnie Holmberg (Art).



After graduating from Elkville Community High School in 1949, Rayburn enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the outset of the Korean War, serving four years aboard the U.S.S. Rendova aircraft carrier and then stateside in San Diego. Upon his return to southern Illinois, he worked as a typeset printer at the Southern Illinoisan where he met his wife, Charlene, and then eventually worked his way up into management at the dawn of the computer age in publishing as Pre-Press/Composing Room Manager. He retired in 1995 after 40+ years at the paper.



Surviving family includes his son Randall R. (wife Jill) Fox of Dayton, OH and daughter Laura F. (husband Brian) Fudacz of Schererville, IN. Five grandchildren: Garrett, Connor and Riley Fox and Matthew & Maggie Fudacz.



He was a member of Grand Avenue Christian Church and an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan. He also shared his wife’s passion for gardening and yardwork.



Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale. Visitation will be from 9 – 11 am on Saturday morning. Burial will follow at Elkville Cemetery, Elkville. In lieu of flowers, memorials donations can be made to Grand Avenue Christian Church, Carbondale. Meredith Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.



If you would like to share a story or memory, please visit www.meredithfh.com.