Steve W. Fox

Steve Wayne Fox, 76, of O'Neill, died Monday, June 3, 2024 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Friday, June 7, 2024 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

A celebration of life service was held Friday, June 7, 2024 at the mortuary in O'Neill.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date at the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Steve was born on Nov. 22, 1947 in O'Neill to Wayne and Lou (Kendall) Fox. Steve grew up north of Emmet and attended grade school in Emmet before graduating from O'Neill High School in 1966.  

He married Shirley Park on June 1st, 1966 at the Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill. To this union two sons were born Brad and Steve (Bud).  

After high school Steve began trucking for his dad. In 1971, Steve and his brother Roy took over the family hay business in Emmet. Fox Brothers Hay Company then became a third-generation ownership. The brothers introduced hay grinding to the area and built their own trailer for hauling hay called “The Circus Wagon” because of its red and white color. It took more than just the two of them to keep up with the demand for grinding and hauling hay and required multiple employees over the years. Steve considered all of his employees his family. In 1988, after buying his brother out of the business, Steve and his sons started a fourth generation of Fox Brothers Hay Company with two locations; one in O'Neill ran by Brad and one in Burke, SD ran by Bud. Steve helped with both. He also ground wood and candy with Jones Manufacturing throughout the United States for many years. He finally retired from the hay industry in 2022.

Early in his life, Steve enjoyed racing stock cars which he did for many years. He passed that love for racing onto his son Bud and grandson Darik. If there was a race, Steve was there in the stands. Sometimes without anyone even knowing. He also wasn't afraid to roll up his sleeves and get a little dirty in the pits. Steve was an endless pit of knowledge when it came to racing and was always there with his two senses if he thought you needed a bit of help. He would travel all over the United States to watch races and made friends wherever he went. Steve also enjoyed fishing which he shared with his grandson Josh and loved being able to watch his great-grandkids grow up. He had an infectious laugh and loved sharing stories from his crazy years.

Steve and his wife Shirley celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on June 1st. They enjoyed traveling together, going to the races, the casino and making trips to visit their grandkids and great-grandkids.

Steve is survived by his wife Shirley Fox of O'Neill; two sons Brad (Tamara) Fox of O'Neill and Steve “Bud” Fox of Burke, SD; four grandchildren Josh (Cass) Fox, Priscilla (Tim) Jenness, Heather Fox (Brad Skalla) and Darik Fox; 12 great-grandchildren Becket, Maverick, Drayke, Sophie, Moxon, Tegan, Rowan, Bentley, Bristol, Briggs, Knox and Hendrex; two brothers Roy (Darci) Fox and Mark (Cathy) Fox, all of O'Neill; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

  He was preceeded in death by his parents Wayne and Lou Fox, one brother Rex Fox and one sister Sherry Neelin.