Fred Stutsman

Fred Stutsman

Seneca

Frederick C. (Fred) Stutsman, Colonel, U.S. Air Force, retired, a local businessman, died on February 19, 2013 in Seneca, SC, following a six year battle with cancer. He was 68.

Col. Stutsman was born in Rochester, New York, attended Acquinas Institute and graduated from Manhattan College in New York City prior to entering the Air Force, where he became a career fighter pilot, flying over 200 combat missions. He was an air combat instructor pilot and authored a textbook on air combat weapons and tactics used in training fledgling fighter pilots. He served as a staff officer, and was director of fighter and reconnaissance operations for U.S. Central Command Air Forces and 9th Air Force. He was also deputy director for studies and analysis for the Joint Electronic Warfare Center. During his Air Force Career, he graduated from Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama and completed studies at the U.S. State Department Foreign Service Institute in Arabic Language and Middle Eastern Studies. His postings included Thailand, Germany, Hawaii, Yemen and numerous locations in the United States. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross and 15 awards of the Air Medal.

Also during his Air Force career, Colonel Stutsman obtained a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Utah, and a Master's in Public Accounting from the University of Texas. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he became a Certified Public Accountant. He was a principal in two accounting firms, including Fred Stutsman CPA, LLC, which he founded (now Spencer and Stutsman CPAs). During his accounting career, he was also finance director at Keowee Key Property Owners Association and corporate controller for Piedmont Home Textile Corporation.

Colonel Stutsman was active in local civic affairs and charities. He was twice president of the Westminster Rotary Club, two-times a Paul Harris Fellow and a former Rotarian of the Year. He was a past board member of Oconee United Way and, until shortly before his death, was Board Chair of the Foothills Area Family YMCA and Treasurer of Ripple of One. He was a member of the Keowee Chapter, Military Officers Association of America and was a past president of the Oconee Road Runners and a long-time physical fitness advocate, having completed several marathons and a long course triathlon.

In addition to his wife Peg, Colonel Stutsman is survived by his mother, Mary Stutsman and a sister and brother-in-law Janice and Daniel Schrader of Newburgh, Indiana. Memorials and donations in lieu of flowers are requested for the Foothills Area Family YMCA, 10121 Clemson Blvd. Suite F, Seneca, SC 29678. A memorial service will be held 11 AM, Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Seneca, by the Rev. Carol Phillips Marshall, followed by a celebratory luncheon. Inurnment at a later date will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com

SANDIFER FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE FAMILY