Gary Kent Fox

Gary K. Fox

January 21, 1942 – June 1, 2025

Gary K. Fox, age 83, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on June 1, 2025. Born in Beech Grove, Indiana on January 21, 1942, Gary led a life marked by service, dedication, and excellence.

Gary graduated from Purdue University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1974, and a Master of Business Administration from New Mexico Highlands University in 1986. During his time at Purdue, he was a member of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC), which led to a distinguished military career.

While at Purdue, Gary’s sense of design and skill at personalized hand painting earned him a trophy for the Best Men’s Cords at the Senior Cord Dance, a lighthearted but memorable moment that reflected his personality and pride in his alma mater.

In October of 1967, Gary began his service in the United States Air Force, attending undergraduate pilot training, the beginning of fulfilling a boyhood dream of flying airplanes. Over the course of his career, Gary flew various aircraft and held numerous leadership roles. He served as a copilot and aircraft commander with the 536th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Vũng Tàu, Vietnam, piloting the C-7A. He went on to serve at multiple Air Force bases, including March AFB in California, Kadena AFB in Okinawa, and Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio, where he piloted the KC-135A, EC-135C, and other aircraft.

Gary’s military career was additionally fulfilled when he was presented opportunities to use his engineering degree through his service as the Wings Plans Officer and Chief of the Target Materials Branch at Kadena AFB, and as the Chief Engineer of the New Concepts Branch at the Air Force Aero Systems Division at Wright-Patterson AFB. He also held important positions at the Air Force Operations Test and Evaluation Center at Kirtland AFB, as well as the Air Force Space Technology Center, where he made lasting contributions to both aerospace and defense technology.

Throughout his Air Force career, Gary earned numerous awards and medals for his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, and Combat Readiness Medal, reflecting his exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to duty.

Gary retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel on August 30, 1989, after over 22 years of dedicated service.

After retiring from the Air Force, Gary continued his career in engineering, working with Muniz (Eagle) Engineering, Stewart & Stevenson Power, Inc., Honeywell Power Systems, Inc., and Rust Tractor Company. His work in the private sector further demonstrated his talent, versatility, and commitment to excellence.

Gary was a man of deep principle. He believed in service to his country, in hard work, and in thinking for yourself. He wasn’t just a man of thought—he was a man of action. He believed in taking care of himself, staying prepared, and leading by example. He had recently begun work on a book to offer strategies on the variances of survival. Gary was a problem solver, a lifelong learner, and a natural teacher, always seeking to understand and to help others do the same.

He had a lifelong passion for science, which he carried with him into his personal life. Early in his life, he enjoyed scuba diving, photography, running, and later biking, all of which reflected his commitment to staying active and healthy. His love for physical fitness, exploration, and discovery remained strong throughout his life.

Gary also had a deep love for traveling the world with his wife, Sharon. Together, they shared a passion for exploring new cultures and landscapes, and they were in the process of checking off all the continents. Their adventures took them to some of the most beautiful and remote corners of the Earth, and these travels became one of their greatest joys in life.

Gary’s legacy is one of service—both to his country and to his profession. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, his integrity, and his unwavering dedication to those he loved and served.

He is survived by his loving wife Sharon, with whom he would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 12; daughters Erica Stell (Von) and Gwendolyn Hyder (Perry); grandchildren Daniel (Phoebe), Adam (Haily), Rachel (Preston), and Jack; his sister Pam; and nieces Christine and Holly. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Imogene Fox.

A private memorial service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery.