Featured image: Mr. and Mrs. Fox, Founders of Fox Packaging
The produce industry lost an icon recently with the passing of Kenneth Sherwin “Kenny” Fox, 91, of McAllen, TX.
Kenny, as he was known to family and friends, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, surrounded by family at his home.
The founder of Fox Packaging, Kenny, was known for “living a life less than ordinary.” He was born in St. Louis, MO, on Aug. 13, 1932, to Anna and Louis Fox, and an online tribute noted that he “forged his own path from the very beginning.”
He and wife, Elaine (Greenberg) married in December 1952, and during summer 1964 the couple, with their four children, moved from Kansas City, MO, to McAllen, where he launched Kenneth Fox Supply (now Fox Packaging), and the family flourished.
An announcement from the Fox family and Fox Packaging following his passing said that Kenny Fox is remembered for his pioneering spirit. The tribute read, “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Kenneth Fox… a true pioneer in the packaging industry. His incredible journey, unrelenting dedication, and unmatched commitment to excellence has left an enduring legacy in our industry and in our hearts.
“Sixty years ago, Kenneth Fox started what would be known today as Fox Packaging. Kenneth’s journey to becoming a worldwide flexible packaging supplier started from very humble beginnings. Kenneth was a burlap and mesh bag salesman for a company out of Kansas City, MO. With his family in Kansas City, Kenneth’s sales territories included North Dakota, Florida, and Texas. Territories so far from home meant Kenneth spent most of his time on the road. Kenneth made the difficult decision to move his wife and four children to South Texas and start manufacturing packaging on his own.
“Six sewing machines in the back of a melon shed was the beginning of what would become Kenneth Fox Supply, Co (Fox Packaging today). Kenneth’s entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to identify niche markets and discover solutions to problems not yet realized. The openness and acceptance of the Texas produce industry in those days gave him the opportunity and resources he needed to get his start.
“Kenneth’s pioneering spirit and dedication to quality laid the foundation for the company’s success as he emphasized the importance of family and relationships. Throughout his career, Kenneth remained guided by the principles of integrity, innovation and family.
“He instilled these values in every aspect of Fox Packaging’s operations, ensuring that the company not only thrived but also served as a beacon of excellence in the industry.
“Kenneth is survived by his wife Elaine Fox; his children: Valerie Mehis (Jim), Lori Goldman (Bruce), Keith Fox (Bruni), and Aaron Fox (Danielle); ten grandchildren and seven (soon to be nine) great grandchildren. Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents Anna and Louis Fox and his son Craig Fox.
“Continuing with Kenneth’s vision are his sons, Keith Fox (President of Fox Packaging), Aaron Fox (Executive Vice President, Fox Packaging/President of Fox Solutions), and four of his grandsons: Lucas Fox, Jacob Fox, Dylan Fox, and Noah Fox.
“As we mourn the loss of an industry leader may we celebrate Kenneth’s enduring legacy and honor the impact he has had on our industry.
“May Kenneth’s memory forever be a blessing.”
While well-known, immensely liked and widely respected throughout the produce industry, Kenny was a larger-than-life figure in the onion industry.
Several onion shippers shared special thoughts and memories.
David DeBerry with Southwest Onion Growers in McAllen, spoke of Kenny Fox with great fondness and respect, saying, “The thing” about Kenny ‘Silver’ Fox is that he was a mentor and advisor to three generations of produce people. THREE! To be ‘summoned’ to his office on Fox Drive was both exhilarating and extremely intimidating at the same time… and many of us benefitted from that honor – a true HONOR!”
David continued, “I, like many others before and after me, benefitted from his very sage advice. I can share that his chief guidance to me was, ‘Bigger isn’t better. Better is Better.’ There was a lot more, including, ‘If you treat people right, you will get a lot of opportunities. If you take all of them, some will be real bad. Take your time and evaluate. When in doubt, walk away.’
“I’ll never forget that advice, and it will come as no surprise to anybody that knew him that he gave that delivery in his paneled office as we enjoyed a fine single malt Scotch (neat) and even finer cigars.”
David said, “I happened to go to junior and senior high school with most of his kids and was close friends with many of them. Craig and I were classmates. I’ll always respect that Ms. Elaine has always been The Rock that held everything together.
“It’s impossible to completely document the beneficial support he gave to those of us that were coming up in the industry in the `70s, `80s and `90s. That support continued into the new millennium. So many of us capitalized from his insight and unwavering support. Volumes could be written.
“He was one of a kind, and leaves generations of his family that live with the same values and sense of service that he would appreciate and endorse.”
Kay Riley, one of the original owners of Snake River Produce in Nyssa, OR, and now with Fort Boise Produce in Parma, ID, also shared memories of Kenny, saying, “Kenny Fox was the real deal, a self-made man that started with nothing and became enormously successful.”
Kay said Kenny was “a real industry icon, a gentleman and a friend,” adding, “ When we formed Snake River Produce, Ken stepped up and helped us design our labels. His artwork team designed most of the original labels that we used.
“He was a consistent supplier and always went out of his way to supply us with packing supplies on a timely basis. If we were ever in a bind and needed something, he would drop everything and get it made for us.”
Kay noted, “Owning their own trucks for delivery, you could count on receiving your ‘emergency’ shipments right on time.”
And, he added, “I love Texas grapefruit, and through the winter season I could always count on a box or two of fruit to be on the truck for me.
“He was a great friend and mentor, with a lifetime of experience to share. His company and family reflect him as an individual – first-class in all they do. I will truly miss him.”
Grant Kitamura with Baker & Murakami Produce in Ontario, OR, summed up his longtime friend by saying, “Kenny was truly unique, an icon in the industry.” Grant, who said he and the Fox family’s friendship dates back more than 40 years, noted, “Kenny did very well in business, starting Fox Packaging from scratch. He had a flair for business and had a flair for life. He was widely known and respected as a businessman, and he had many, many friends.”
The friendships and business connections extended to other countries, and Grant said, “Several times he took me to Mexico to look at onions.”
Grant said, “We were friends for a long, long time. He was one in 10 million…”
Kenneth Fox was laid to rest April 19 in McAllen, TX. Details regarding memorial services will be shared as they become available.
OnionBusiness.com also expresses its deepest sympathies to the Fox family during this difficult time. We have truly enjoyed working with Mr. Fox and his family; he will be remembered fondly and deeply missed.
Years back, we provided a tribute to Mr. Fox for his 87th-year birthday celebration. If you wish to read this story, which includes Ken’s business insights in his own words, please click here. Fox Packaging’s Ken Fox marks 87th birthday and lifelong success with enthusiasm and thanks – Onion Business
