Martin (Marty) Fox, 91, of Leawood, Kan., died Nov. 22, 2021, at Brookdale Senior Living in Overland Park, Kan.
Marty was born in Kansas City, Mo., to Max and Alice Fox on Dec. 28, 1929. He attended Paseo High School, Kansas City Junior College and the University of Missouri. After college, Marty worked with his father at Matlaw's Men's Clothing Store at 18th and Vine in Kansas City. In 1951, during the Korean War, he was called to the Army and served stateside as a private, then sergeant, then a second lieutenant. After his honorable discharge, Marty returned to Kansas City and to Matlaw's.
Marty took over the clothing store after his father's retirement and expanded the operation to three locations. In 1979, he closed the three stores and worked full-time in real estate construction and sales. He loved helping young people buy their first home, making sure they made good and sound choices. He retired in 2013 at the age of 84.
Marty is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Alice Fox, and his brother-in-law, Stanley Goldberg.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeannine Fox of the hom; sister Gerry Goldberg of Leawood; daughter Nancy Fox (Bruce Burstein) of Overland Park; son Douglas Fox (Christina Burton Fox) of Overland Park; granddaughter Ashley Price Jonas of Chicago, lll.; grandson Aaron Price of Prairie Village, Kan.; great-grandson Jack Fox Jonas and great-granddaughter Arlena Price Jonas of Chicago, and many adoring nieces and nephews.
Marty lived in the "now," refusing to look back or dwell on the past. His positive attitude and his desire and determination to live carried him through many difficult, if not impossible, medical recoveries, which amazed both family and medical providers.
Marty created humor in the everyday and shared it with those around him. He saw "funny" and was known for his uplifting and hilarious sense of humor, which he carried through to the end.
The family is grateful for each of Marty's caregivers, especially Kat, Heiddy, and Ashliegh, who lovingly cared for him for years and always brought a smile to Marty's face. The family is also grateful for the staff at Brookdale of Overland Park for their care.
He loved being with family and entertaining both family and friends in his home. He also liked to cook, and was known for making the best latkes ever.
Marty was a life-long member of Congregation Beth Shalom. Marty was a co-founder of Romeo's (Retired Old Men's Eating Organization) and for 25 years rarely missed a Friday luncheon where he met with friends, both new and old.
Marty was extremely proud of having been a member of the Jewish Community Center since the age of six. In recent years, he played cards with his buddies two or three days a week at the Jewish Community Center's Heritage Center. Gathering with his friends and card buddies at the Heritage Center added years to Marty's life and life to his last years. He only stopped playing cards because of COVID-19.
Behind the scenes, Marty was always concerned about his family. He was a loyal friend to so many, some for over 80 years. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
God's speed, our dear Marty!
Graveside services were on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. The family suggests donations to the Heritage Center at the Jewish Community Center, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at louismemorialchapel.com.
