Herbert E. "Herb" Fox

Herbert Edward Herb Fox, 79, of LaHarpe, IL passed away at 2:40 PM Thursday, August 28, 2014 at his home.

Herb was born on September 25, 1934 in Burlington, IA, the son of Edward and Helen Kemp Fox. He married Isabel Hustead in Stronghurst, they later divorced. On July 17, 1986 he married Marilyn Shoemate.

He grew up in Decorah, IL and graduated from Stronghurst High School in 1952. Herb was an outstanding athlete and played football and basketball during high school. After high school, Herb worked for Clarence Neff in Stronghurst for 10years. He moved to LaHarpe in 1962 and worked for Fred Gibb Chevrolet. Herb introduced Fred to the sport of drag racing and went on to travel coast to coast to race. Herb set 11 world records in drag racing and won the AHRA World Championship points in 1968 driving Little Hoss a Z28 Camero.

Herb began working at Ford Motor Sales in LaHarpe in 1982 and worked there until the dealership closed in 2002. Herb and Marilyn enjoyed motorcycle trips, searching for and restoring Krate bicycles and visiting their children and grandchildren.
After his retirement, Herb detailed cars in his garage and also used the garage for visiting with friends each day.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, one daughter, Jerilyn (Ron) Bennett of Carthage, IL, one son, Brian Fox of LaHarpe, three step-children, Lisa (Brent) Corman of Joplin, MO, Harley (Angela) Burr of OFallon, MO and Wesley Burr of Ft. Madison, IA, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no formal family visitation but friends may call from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the LaHarpe Cemetery with Rev. Jim Clayton officiating. A memorial fund has been established for Blessing Hospice of Hancock County. Following the services, friends and family are invited to the Annex in LaHarpe for a celebration of Herbs life. Please dress casually and join us in this celebration. Condolences may be left at www.banksandbeals.com.