Fox Packaging is remembering founder Kenneth Fox as “a true pioneer in the packaging industry.” Fox, 91, died April 17.
“His incredible journey, unrelenting dedication, and unmatched commitment to excellence has left an enduring legacy in our industry and in our hearts,” the McAllen, Texas-based company said in a news release announcing his passing.
Fox started 60 years ago what would become Fox Packaging, the company said. His journey to becoming a worldwide flexible packaging supplier started as a burlap and mesh bag salesman for a company based in Kansas City, Mo., where his family resided. However, Fox spent most of this time of the road with sales territories including North Dakota, Florida and Texas.
Fox ultimately decided to move his wife and four children to South Texas and start manufacturing packaging on his own. Kenneth Fox Supply Co. (now Fox Packaging) would begin with six sewing machines in the back of a melon shed.
“Kenneth’s entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to identify niche markets and discover solutions to problems not yet realized,” the company said. “The openness and acceptance of the Texas produce industry in those days gave him the opportunity and resources he needed to get his start.”
Fox’s pioneering spirit and dedication to quality is credited for laying the foundation for the company’s success, as he emphasized the importance of family and relationships. Throughout his career, Fox remained guided by the principles of integrity, innovation and family. The company said 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.
Fox is survived by his wife, Elaine Fox; his children, Valerie Mehis (Jim), Lori Goldman (Bruce), Keith Fox (Bruni) and Aaron Fox (Danielle); 10 grandchildren and seven (soon to be nine) great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Louis Fox, and his son, Craig Fox.
The company said Fox’s vision is being continued by this sons, Keith Fox (president of Fox Packaging) and Aaron Fox (executive vice president of Fox Packaging and president of Fox Solutions), as well as four of his grandsons: Lucas Fox, Jacob Fox, Dylan Fox and Noah Fox.
Fox was laid to rest April 19 in McAllen, according to Fox Packaging, which added that details regarding memorial services will be shared as they become available.
“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,” the company said.