Obituaries

February 15, 1988 to December 23, 2017

WINAMAC - SSgt. Tyler James Fox, 29, of Merrillville (formerly of Winamac) passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Dec. 23.

He was born Feb. 15, 1988 in Winamac to Timothy James and Patricia L. Yuill Fox. He was a 2007 graduate of Winamac Community High School where he was active in wrestling and soccer. On June 20, 2009, he married his high school sweetheart, Kayla Jean Parish in North Judson. She survives.

Also surviving are:

Two sons at home: Wyatt Jameson and Hudson Grey Fox
Timothy James and Patricia L. Yuill Fox, Winamac, Parents
Jennifer (Jesse) Evans, Ft. Wayne, Sister
Taryn (Jason) Lewis, Delphi, Sister
Evan (Gina) Fox, Crown Point, Brother
Niece and Nephews: Zee, Natasha, Xander and Anton
Clement and Beverly Yuill, Batavia, IL, Maternal Grandparents
Willie and Nonie Parish, Winamac,  Father- and Mother-in-law
Morgan Parish, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Christopher Parish, Winamac, Brother-in-law
Jared Parish, Winamac, Brother-in-law

Preceded in death by:
Donald James and Beverly Jean Fox, Paternal Grandparents

SSgt. Fox enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2007, graduating from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego and was a distinguished veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was first stationed on board Kings Bay Submarine Base, Georgia and while there graduated from marksman school. In 2010, he was stationed with the 1st Battalion 5th Marine Regiment (1/5) on board Camp Pendleton, California. He was first deployed with the 1/5 Sniper Battalion to Helmand Province, Afghanistan where he served seven months and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for saving the lives of many of his comrades. In 2012, he graduated from Scout Sniper Course on board Camp Pendleton and later was deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in the Pacific Ocean. He returned home (to California) in May of 2013, and he and his wife welcomed their first son. In 2014, he was deployed to Marine Rotational Force, Darwin, Australia where he served as Chief Scout of the Scout Sniper Platoon. In 2015, he graduated from Marine Corps Recruiting Command Recruiters School and began working as a Marine Recruiter in Valparaiso. This duty allowed him to be home with his wife and young son. The following year, the couple welcomed their second son. SSgf. Fox was most recently serving as a Marine Corp Recruiter in LaPorte - inspiring young men and women to serve the country.

Despite his numerous achievements in the Marine Corps, SSgt. Fox was a humble man who through his natural leadership influenced many young people from Winamac to follow in his footsteps in joining the military. He was an amazing young man, with an infectious laugh and was always the life of the party. He was an avid runner and enjoyed participating in marathons. He also enjoyed home brewing beer with his dad and brother-in-law and aspired to one day open his own brewery. His greatest joy in life was his two sons and his family. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandson, and nephew. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and comrades.

Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Church of the Heartland, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 28, at the church. Burial with full military honors will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to a fund established at Alliance Bank for his sons Wyatt and Hudson, or Winamac VFW Post #1728.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac. Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.