Charles William Fox

Charles William “Charlie” Fox, 70, Columbus, Ohio. Charlie died peacefully Friday, March 6, 2026 at Kobacker Hospice House, Columbus, of cancer.

Preceded in death by his mother Cecilia (Leonardi), youngest sister Claire, and cousin Barbie Bendekovic.

Charlie was born in Columbus on July 5, 1955 to Cecilia and Robert Fox. He leaves behind Andrea (Payne), his loving wife of over 30 years, and cherished sister and brothers Katherine Blake, Thomas (Sharie), James, and David (Kim).

Survived by cousins Richard, Sharon, Lynn, Pam, and John. Nieces Taylor, Stephanie, Tiffany, and Alesha, and nephews Aaron, Tore, and Tyler. Great nieces and nephews, Amelia, Adell, Buck, Gianna, Josiah, Theodore, Archer, Dean, Ianna, Bronson, Rowan, and Evelyn. He also leaves behind a host of friends.

After attending Upper Arlington high school, Charlie immediately entered the service and was a proud Navy veteran, having served on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) naval aircraft carrier. He loved to tell people how he just missed being born on the Fourth of July.

He briefly entered the insurance business like his father Bob (and much later his sister Claire), but soon realized that an office job wasn’t for him. He found his calling as a heavy equipment operator and enjoyed running cranes. He was a talented artist and harmonica player, and he loved watching movies and listening to music; Frank Zappa and Jimi Hendrix were particular favorites. He loved being outdoors and had a soft spot for animals. He leaves behind two fur children, cats Luigi and Sicily.

The family would like to say special thanks to the staff, nurses, and doctors at Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic, Riverside Hospital, and Kobacker House for their kindness and attention while Charlie was in their care.

Even while battling leukemia, cancer, and later diabetes, Charlie kept his particular brand of humor, and usually made everyone around him either laugh or groan at his jokes. He will be greatly missed.

Charlie has been entrusted to Shaw-Davis Funeral Home, 4341 N. High Street, Columbus. Immediate family will greet friends and family for visitation from 2:00pm-3:00pm, followed immediately by a memorial service from 3:00pm-4:00pm, led by his brother David Fox.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System, the American Diabetes Association, or the American Cancer Society.