Patrick Ryan Fox, '77
Patrick Ryan Fox, '77, passed away on December 23, 2022 in Pearland, Texas. Lifetime Member.
Patrick Ryan Fox was born June 5, 1959 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Sue Margaret Roberts Fox and John Joseph Fox, Jr. Patrick lived a wonderful life and died December 21, 2022 in Pearland, Texas at the age of 63.
Patrick is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Mary Campbell-Fox and his greatest treasures, his five children–Ryan Fox and wife Karissa, Kelli Fox Logan and husband Andrew, Corey Fox and girlfriend Hannah, Tara Fox and boyfriend Dylan, Colin Fox, and his precious granddaughters Makenzi Fox and Emmie Wilson. Patrick was from a large family and he loved all of his siblings! He is survived by his sister Mary Margaret and husband, Doug Wood, his brothers William Fox, Mark Fox and wife, Lisa Fox, Robert Fox and Jen, his in-laws Virginia and Darrell Scott, Robert and Cathy Campbell, and Cara and Mike Doleski, his nephews Kevin (Shawna) Fox, Tim Fox, Billy Fox, David Scott, Edward Fox, Dillon Fox, Ian Campbell, Joey Fox, Thomas Wood, Robert Wood, Jamison Fox, his nieces Jessica (Nate) Meshburg, Sheila (Tim) Peters, Kathryn Fox, Lori (Justin) Hatcher, Stephanie (Neal) Shannon, Margaret (Carina) Fox, Lara Campbell, Kathleen Wood, Addie Fox, Harper Fox, and many other family members, all very special to him. Patrick was predeceased by his parents and his brothers John Fox, James Fox, Thomas Fox, and Charles Fox.
Patrick resided in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma until he went to Omaha, Nebraska to attend high school at Father Flanagan’s Boys Town from which he graduated in 1977. Patrick was an outstanding athlete who excelled in football, basketball, track and field, and among his achievements were the Ike Mahoney Memorial Most Valuable Football Player award, Boys Town Outstanding Back Award, and Boys Town Athlete of the Year in 1977. After high school, he lived in Boulder, Colorado until 1985 when he moved to Houston, Texas and met and married the love of his life, Mary Campbell. Later that year, Patrick joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany and later in Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War. Upon his discharge from the Army, he went on to complete his bachelor’s of science and master’s degrees from the University of Houston. Patrick worked for the Pasadena Independent School District for 28 years, coaching and teaching most recently at South Houston High School from 2000-2022 and at Sam Rayburn High School from 1994-2000. A passionate teacher, he helped his students master topics in biology, physical science, chemistry, physics and astronomy.
Patrick was a family man who greatly loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and all of his family and friends. His five children will tell you he was THE BEST dad, something he strived for everyday. Patrick also had a soft spot in his heart for the many students he coached and taught throughout his years, especially those going through rough times. He embraced his time at Father Flanagan’s Boys Town and was able to reflect on his experiences in order to help students who struggled with similar circumstances. He went to work every single day with joy and determination, excited to work among his fellow teachers to impact the lives of his students.
Everyone who knew Patrick knows that he was larger than life—he loved life!—and loved having a good time! He never met a stranger; within five minutes of meeting someone, they knew everything about his kids, his wife…and most of his life story. He was a storyteller, engaging his audience with endless energy, enthusiasm, and a healthy dose of mischief! He was a Patriot and was proud of his service in the U.S. Army. There was never a game, even at home, where Patrick did not stand up and put his right hand over his heart during the National Anthem.
Patrick’s love for life was endless and cannot be put into words. Among his passions were The Ranch in Gonzales, Texas, his Dallas Cowboys, the Oklahoma Boomer Sooners, Harley Davidsons, rock music, history (he stopped at every historical marker in the state of Texas), his dogs and horses, learning, traveling, grocery shopping (at H-E-B), cooking wonderful meals for friends and family, and ending the day with an ice-cold beer. He constantly displayed his love for Mary as a handyman, diligently working through his “honey-do” lists and proudly prancing around when he completed a particularly difficult task.
Patrick loved coaching Ryan, Corey and Colin in their youth sports teams and had a blast rooting Kelli and Tara on at their cheer and dance competitions. When Colin found his passion for calf roping, Patrick became a rodeo dad. He immersed himself in rodeo life and devoted countless hours to supporting Colin’s rodeo career. He cherished his time in jeans and a cowboy hat and was so proud of the kids he was able to watch grow up over the last decade. Their friends from rodeo have become like family, and have offered tremendous love and support to the Foxes.
Patrick was an avid reader, enjoying novels by Dan Brown, Tom Clancy, and Wilbur Smith. Even through his big, loud, tough exterior, he had a giant soft spot and could not make it through movies like Spencer’s Mountain, Brian’s Song, or the show Little House on the Prairie without crying. Patrick was raised Catholic where he served as an altar boy, then later joined the Methodist Church where he and Mary raised their children.
Patrick always strived to set an example for his children by being the best dad he could be. For the past 35 years, he has been the best father anyone could dream of. He raised his family with discipline, love, and passion. He was so proud of them and loved them with everything he had.
Patrick will forever be remembered as a source of happiness, love, and so much fun! We will always carry his memory in our hearts.