Fred Stidham

All who knew Fred Stidham would agree that he had a zest for life that was truly contagious. He was the sort of person who didn’t shy away from doing things his own way, and he loved making life fun for those around him. A loving husband and father, Fred treasured his family above all else, and he was so proud to become a father and grandfather later in life. A longtime resident of the community he loved, he was the sort of person everyone seemed to know. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Fred leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were fighting for the preservation of the freedoms we still enjoy today as WWII raged on. There was dancing in the street when America and our allies were victorious, bringing the war to an end in August of 1945. It was just after that historic day of celebration that Sam and Annie (Morris) Stidham were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as summer drew to a close in 1945. The big day finally arrived on September 26th when the baby boy they named Fred drew his first breath in Hazard, Kentucky. He was raised in the hills of Perry County, Kentucky, near Hazard. Everyone usually called it “Stidhamtown.”

In many ways, Fred was a young boy of his generation. He attended local schools, walking there and back in bare feet as he only had one pair of shoes. When he was only 16, Fred came to Indiana in search of work during some really trying times. He was blessed to find work at Star Craft Boat Company in New Paris, Indiana. Fred ended up working there for 30 years, and for a time he went home to Kentucky on the weekends. With a deep love for his country, Fred volunteered for the Army when he was only 17, although he had to lie about his age to get in. Getting away with such a thing would be unheard of today, but back then it was a bit easier to get around the system. Fred spent two years in the Army during the days of the Vietnam War and was stationed in Pleiku, Vietnam. He also spent eight months in the DMZ. While in the Army he completed his high school education.

Not to be forgotten during his younger years was Fred’s blossoming romance with the love of his life. Her name was Geneva Eversole, and she had been raised in nearby Cripton, Kentucky. They knew each other through cousins, and as young people they found themselves hopelessly in love. They dated for over four years, and with a desire to establish a life together Fred and Geneva made plans to get married. He even bought their wedding bands in Vietnam. It was shortly after returning from Vietnam that Fred and Geneva were married in Brimfield, Indiana, on April 6, 1968. Together he and his wife welcomed two children including their daughter, Teresa, and their son, Sam, into their hearts and home. Later in life Fred was thrilled to become a grandfather. He loved spending time with his family and was able to retire in 2007.

Throughout his life Fred was a bustle of activity. He didn’t even have his driver’s license until he was out of the Army, but this didn’t slow him down any. Fred owned a 1964 Ford Galaxy, and it was quite a sight as he had to tie the doors shut with rope. He paid $35 for the car back when gas was $.19 per gallon. Within his community, Fred was a member of Harbor of Love Baptist Church and the American Legion Post 86. He was known for getting in his fair share of mischief at times such as the time he spent Christmas Day in the local jail for throwing firecrackers out the window. There was also the time that Fred got pulled over and had no driver’s license and was sent to jail. Although it could be a touchy subject with Geneva at times, she was able to laugh about it, too. It especially made her smile when they were cross with each other. An avid outdoorsman, Fred loved deer hunting, fishing, and gardening. In fact, Fred was known for his big garden every year. As his family and friends can attest, he was a huge Chicago Cubs fan. There was certainly much for Fred to celebrate when they won the World Series this past year. He loved all the John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies and collected what had to be nearly all of them - and then he watched them over and over again.

Kind, compassionate, and caring are just a few of the words that describe Fred Stidham. He was a people lover who was willing to do whatever he could to make the world a better place for those around him. Fred was gentle and kind man who treasured his family above everything else. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Fred Stidham died Monday, February 27, 2017, at the Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Fred’s family includes his wife, Geneva Stidham of Kendallville; daughter, Teresa (Henry) Collins of Kendallville; son, Sam Stidham of Kendallville; three grandchildren: Tasha and Derek Godsey of Waterloo, Shayla Collins and Dawson Collins of Kendallville. Visitation is Thursday, March 2, 2017, anytime after 4:00 p.m. at Harbor of Love Baptist Church where there will be a service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 3, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Harbor of Love Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Mosley officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville. Pallbearers will be Henry Collins, Derek Godsey, Sam Stidham, Harold Stidham, Darold Stidham, Charles Woods, James Eversole, Jim Stidham, Dawson Collins, and David McClellan. Memorial donations may be made to the church. Share a memory or send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.