Apr 22, 2024

Kenneth Fox, Fox Packaging founder, dies

Kenneth Fox, founder of Fox Packaging, has died.

Fox, a flexible packaging supplier, died April 17 at 91 years of age.

“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Kenneth Fox,” leaders of the Texas International Produce Association stated in a news release. “Kenneth was a true pioneer in the packaging industry. His incredible journey, unrelenting dedication, and unmatched commitment to excellence has left an enduring legacy in our industry and in our hearts.”

In 1962, Fox started what would be known today as Fox Packaging. Fox’s journey to becoming a worldwide flexible packaging supplier started from humble beginnings. Fox was a burlap and mesh bag salesman for a company in Kansas City, Missouri. Residing in Kansas City, Fox’s sales territories included North Dakota, Florida and Texas. Territories far from home required Fox to spent most of his time on the road. He made the difficult decision to move his wife and four children to south Texas and start manufacturing packaging on his own.

Six sewing machines in the back of a melon shed was the beginning of what would become Kenneth Fox Supply Co., which later became Fox Packaging.

“Kenneth’s entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to identify niche markets and discover solutions to problems not yet realized,” according to the release. “The openness and acceptance of the Texas produce industry in those days gave him the opportunity and resources he needed to get his start.”

Fox is survived by his wife Elaine, Valerie Mehis (Jim), Lori Goldman (Bruce), Keith Fox (Bruni), and Aaron Fox (Danielle), 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Kenneth Fox was preceded in death by his parents Anna and Louis Fox and his son Craig Fox, who died in 2023 at 62 years of age.

Continuing with Kenneth Fox’s vision are his sons, Keith, president, Aaron, executive vice president and president of Fox Solutions. Four of Kenneth Fox’s grandsons, Lucas, Jacob, Dylan and Noah, also work in the company.

“Kenneth’s pioneering spirit and dedication to quality laid the foundation for the company’s success as he emphasized the importance of family and relationships,” according to the release. “Throughout his career, Kenneth remained guided by the principles of integrity, innovation and family. He instilled these values in every aspect of Fox Packaging’s operations, ensuring that the company not only thrived but also served as a beacon of excellence in the industry. As we mourn the loss of an industry leader may we celebrate Kenneth’s enduring legacy and honor the impact he has had on our industry.”

Fox was buried April 19 in McAllen, Texas. Details on planned memorial services are expected to be released as they become available.

For more than 60 years, McAllen, Texas-based Fox Packaging has been a leading partner in delivering new flexible packaging solutions to growers, according to the release. The company’s commitment extended beyond bag designs, focusing on safeguarding product quality and elevating brand recognition for the fresh produce industry, according to the release.