Mel R. Fox, 91, of Sioux City, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2015. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service time. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Mel was born August 22, 1923, the son of Roy and Louise Fox. Mel voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky, on January 21, 1941, at the age of 17, because he had a deep respect for the United States of America, and preserving the freedoms that our country and flag stand for. After three months of training maneuvers, Mel was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey, and then boarded the Queen Mary passenger ship, in New York, New York, for a trip to Ireland. He then traveled to England to waterproof tanks in preparation for an invasion of North Africa. Mel was overseas, primarily in North Africa and Italy, from 1942 through May, 1945. He was a platoon tank commander associated with the 1st Armored Division, Hq. Combat Command B and involved with the following Battles and Campaigns: Tunisian, Algeria, French Moroccan, Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, Po Valley, North Apennines. Mel received the following Decorations and Citations: 6 Overseas service bars, Good conduct Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 1 Silver Battle Star and 1 Bronze Battle Star. During World War II he was fighting continuously and never had an opportunity to return home to the United States on leave, or with time off. Mel's most memorable encounter was in Africa when General George Patton visited with him in person. Mel's first experience in Italy was fighting on the Anzio beachhead. As he told it, this is where his hair turned gray. Movement continued through Italy and eventually Mel's tank was the first tank into Rome, Italy, liberating that area. Mel returned to the United States on June 28, 1945, and was honorably discharged on July 3, 1945. When he returned home to Sioux City he had been overseas for 3 years, one month, 18 days, and had survived numerous battles. Within the first few weeks of returning to Sioux City, Mel was reunited with the love of his life Marilyn, whom he married on April 20, 1946, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mel and Marilyn were just shy of achieving their 69th wedding anniversary. Mel was a successful business man, working in various locations including Omaha, Nebraska; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Vancouver, British Columbia; Portland, Oregon; and Sioux City, Iowa. Mel worked for Remington Rand Office Systems, Sperry Rand Corporation, Sioux City Stationary Company, and owned several businesses including Systems Unlimited, Remtype Office Equipment, and Frames by Fox during his career. From over 250 Remington Rand dealers over the nation Mel was credited with selling "more miles of shelf filing" than any other dealer. Mel was an avid private and commercial pilot and enjoyed time with family and friends. Annual motorcycle trips to the Sturgis Rally with sons Terry and Jack were a summer highlight. Mel had a great personality, was always willing to give his time and services, and considered everyone a friend. Mel was a member of the Nativity Catholic Church, American Legion, Elks, Eagles, Knights of Columbus, Sioux City Air Museum and numerous other volunteer organizations. Mel was always "borderline terrific", had a smile for everyone, and his closing words, which emphasize the manner in which he led everyday of his life were "Be sure and let me know if there is anything I can do for you today." Mel is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his son, Terry; his granddaughter, Jacklyn; and his favorite pup, Sophie. Mel was preceded in death by his son, Jack; his parents, Roy and Louise; and his two brothers, Glenn and Gene. Mel will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.