FRYEBURG — John E. Fox, 85, of Fryeburg, died Sunday, May 15, 2011 at Mineral Springs in North Conway, N.H.

He was born in Stow on Dec. 1, 1925, a son of Augustus and Eliza Smith Fox but grew up in West Lovell. He was educated in local schools. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII. He was employed by Lovell Lumber for 43 years, retiring in 1987. John was a very kind and gentle man who enjoyed many quality years of camping with his family, and tinkering in his garage. He also loved old cars.

For the many years that he was in Mineral Springs Nursing Home, his wife, Violet, would drive to North Conway almost every day to visit him. At the nursing home, Violet would play songs by Peter Allen.

He is predeceased by his infant daughter Fay Ann Fox; and his only sibling, Charles Fox.

He is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Violet Fox; his daughters Diana McLellan of Conway, N.H. and Kay Legare of North Waterford; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 19 at Riverside Cemetery in North Fryeburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mineral Springs Nursing Home, P.O. Box 3417 North Conway, NH 03860.

Arrangements are made with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.org