Longtime Galesburg Railroad Worker and Sports Enthusiast Dies at 70

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Donald William Fox, a 70-year-old resident of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on March 9, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center. Fox had a long career with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, retiring in 2016 after 39 years of service. He was known throughout the Alexis community for his lifelong love of sports, having participated in various high school athletics and later coaching and supporting his daughters' teams.

Why it matters

Fox's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit Alexis community, where he was a beloved figure known for his sports enthusiasm and dedication to his family. His story highlights the importance of community involvement and the lasting impact that passionate individuals can have on a local area.

The details

Fox, who was also known by the nicknames 'Donnie', 'Don', 'DB', 'Foxy', and 'Donnie Bill', was born in Moline, Illinois in 1956. He graduated from Alexis High School in 1975 and later attended Central College in Pella, Iowa. He married his high school sweetheart, Julie Olin, in 1979. During his 39-year career with the railroad, he held various positions, retiring in 2016 as a Carman Relief Foreman.

• Fox passed away on March 9, 2026.
• A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Western Illinois Fieldhouse in Alexis.
• Fox retired from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad on January 30, 2016.

What’s next

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Western Illinois Fieldhouse in Alexis to celebrate Donald William Fox's life.