Kelly Wayne Fox of Heppner passed away on March 13, 2026 at the age of 65 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on Nov. 20, 1960 in Springfield to Kenneth Wayne Fox and Judith Lee Fox. After the passing of his father, his mother Judy later married Gordon Schroeder, and together they moved to Eastern Oregon, where they raised their seven children. As the oldest, Kelly proudly embraced his role and never let his siblings forget it.
Kelly graduated from Unity High School in 1979, where he played football and created many lasting memories and stories he would share throughout his life.
On April 11, 1992, Kelly married the love of his life, Lorrie Ellen Yokum, in Reno, Nev. Together they shared 34 wonderful years of marriage. They loved spending time in the mountains, camping, and being with their children and grandchildren.
Through his marriage to Lorrie, Kelly became a proud stepfather to William “Bill” Schlaich and James “Jim” Schlaich. Together, Kelly and Lorrie welcomed their daughter, Kelsie Wain Fox. Jim later married Amber Steinhoff, and they had two daughters, Jaylee Jo Schlaich and Kinsley Marie Schlaich, whom Kelly adored, especially watching them ride barrels on their horses. Kelsie married Richard Worden and became a stepmother to Daemon Alexander Worden, Arianna Jade Worden, and Eva Nicole Worden. Together, they had Lucas Wayne Worden and Ryder Stinson Worden. Kelly cherished passing down stories to all of his grandchildren and watching them grow, especially sharing his love of the mountains with them.
Kelly dedicated 30 years of service to the Morrow County School District as a maintenance coordinator before retiring in 2023. He took great joy in seeing his children and grandchildren in the halls of Heppner Elementary School. He also worked part-time for Morrow County Parks, where he continued doing what he loved most—working in the mountains.
Kelly was deeply involved in his community. He served as the Colts head football coach for many years and often shared proud stories of the team’s championship in the Grid Kids football program. He loved his Colts, the Mustangs, and the Raiders. In his free time, Kelly enjoyed golfing, playing the slots at Wildhorse, camping, and most importantly spending time with his family.
Kelly is survived by his wife, Lorrie Fox; his children, Bill Schlaich, Jim Schlaich, Amber Schlaich, Kelsie Worden, and Rick Worden; and his grandchildren, Daemon Worden, Arianna Worden, Eva Worden, Lucas Worden, Ryder Worden, Jaylee Schlaich, and Kinsley Schlaich. He is also survived by his sisters, Robin Lavala (Robin), Terri Berthleson (Mark), Nicki Norton (Scott), and Monique Devin; his brothers, Tony Fox (Ronda) and Mike Schroeder (Julie); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Fox; his mother, Judith Schroeder; and his stepfather, Gordon Schroeder.
Kelly will be remembered for his love of family, his storytelling, his dedication to his community, and his deep appreciation for the outdoors. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lasting memories.
A celebration of life service will be held for him at the Heppner Elks Lodge #358 on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 3 p.m. with a meal to follow. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kelly’s honor to the Clarence Buchanan Scholarship Fund via Heppner Elks Lodge.
Please leave your condolence messages for the family at https://www.sweeneypaytonmortuary.com.
Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.
