DESOTO - Tom Fox was a farmer through and through—one whose heartbeat in time with the land he worked and the seasons he loved. A lifelong admirer of John Deere equipment, Tom truly "bled green," and nothing brought him greater joy than being in the field. In fact, he loved farming so much that he never wanted harvest season to end.

Yet even in the busiest seasons, Tom understood the value of people. When field lunches arrived, the tractors stopped—not because the work was done, but because Tom cherished the chance to sit down, visit, and enjoy good food and even better company. He never met a stranger. And if he didn't know you, he knew so many people that within minutes he could find a connection. Conversation came naturally to Tom, and he always had a good story ready—one he shared with genuine delight.

One of Tom's favorite gathering places was the Farmer's Table—often lovingly called the "Liar's Table"—where over breakfast, a group of farmers could easily farm 10,000 acres before the coffee ran cold. For Tom, that table was found at the Chestnut Café, now Gresa's, a place he loved for its great food and the fellowship that filled every seat.

Tom's passion for agriculture extended far beyond his own farm. He was deeply involved in the agricultural community, serving on the Jackson County Farm Bureau Board from 1973-2011, and was President from 2009-2011 and the Board of Directors for the Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation District for 25 years. When extra help was needed, Tom employed agriculture students from SIU–Carbondale. More than hired hands, these students became mentees. With great patience, Tom shared his love of farming while instilling strong work habits—especially the importance of putting everything back in its place. Once a repair was complete, every tool had to be returned. Order mattered to Tom, just as pride in one's work did.

Mechanically gifted, Tom could fix just about anything. His hands were rarely idle, and his knowledge—earned through years of experience—was generously shared

Fond memories from his childhood included his red Ford convertible and escapades with his buddies from DeSoto.

Tom was a faithful member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carbondale, and you earned extra points with him if you happened to be Missouri Synod Lutheran. His faith was steady, sincere, and quietly lived.

Above all else, Tom loved his family. He treasured time spent with them and spoke of them often and with great pride. They were the joy of his life, the harvest he cherished most.

Tom Fox leaves behind a legacy rooted in hard work, faith, friendship, and love—a life well lived, deeply planted, and richly shared.

Tom was survived by his son, William (Jennifer) Fox of Carbondale, IL; his daughter, Pamela Fox (Christopher Freeman) of Marion, IL; grandchildren, Brynnlie, Liam, Blair, and Briana; nephew, Daniel Fox; bonus son and their children, Nathan (Sarah) Harris, Jenna and Trent of Nashville, IL; Significant Other, Wilma Westerfield of DeSoto, IL; Goddaughter Amanda Mileur (Andre) Benoit and their son Tristin; and Godson Seth (Amber) Mileur and their children Brooklyn and Brylyn.

Tom was preceded in death by his Parents, two brothers, Loran and Larry Fox.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, with Rev. Jay Holden officiating. Burial will follow at Parrish Cemetery, Vergennes, Illinois. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, on Thursday from 11 am until 1 pm. Memorials may be given to Parrish Cemetery.