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Fred Ansell Obituary
Fred was born June 6, 1945, in Bradford, Pa., the son of Wilbert K. and Harriet S. Acker Ansell. He married Ann Maria "Trena" Abrams in Bradford on July 2, 1966.
He earned his B.S. in sociology from Eastern Baptist College and then received both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from American Baptist Seminary of the West.
Over 34 years of ministry, Fred served as a campus minister in Hays, an area minister in southeast Kansas, and an associate executive minister before he retired in 2006 as the executive minister for the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region (Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas). Fred was a member of West Side Baptist Church. Over the years he was involved in many mission trips to Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica and Prague.
He loved photography, traveling and was an avid gardener. Fred also mentored many men and women going into the ministry and he was a lifelong learner, still learning the day before he died.
He is survived by his wife Trena, of Topeka; children, Aaron (Jillinda) Ansell of Topeka, Jennifer (Bob) Blair of Milford; grandchildren, Micah Grace Ansell and Christopher Robert Blair; brothers, Kenneth A. (Bonnie) Ansell of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Charles F. (Sarah Beth) Ansell of Tuscon, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard J. Ansell.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Nov. 17, at First Baptist Church, 3033 SW Macvicar, Topeka, Kan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association, 3599 Rainbow Blvd./ MS 2012 Kansas City KS 66160; West Side Baptist Church, 1108 SW Fillmore St., Topeka KS 66606; or American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, 5833 SW 29th St, Topeka KS 66614.
Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Ansell
Robin Gockley Guittard
June 29, 2013
So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Fred was my houseparent in the children's home in Covina in the early 70's. He was such a kind and compassionate person. He made such a positive impact on my life. My sincere condolences to Trena, Jennie and Aaron.
Robin Guittard
June 29, 2013
So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Fred was my houseparent in the children's home in Covina during the early 70's. He was such a kind and compassionate person. He made such a positive impact on my life. My sincere condolences to Trena, Jennie and Aaron.
Becky Poe
November 20, 2012
Saying goodbye to this wonderful man is so very difficult. My prayers are with all the family, Trena, we love you and the kids dearly at church. I will always remember his sparkling eyes when he was chatting with people at church. He glowed in his spirit. My granddaughter will miss him most. She regrets she never got to bring him her homemade cookies like she wanted.I regret we didn't have our walker race in the parking lot at church....now I know he would win as he has the angels holding him as he races along. Happy journey home dear friend...go on the silver wings that you have earned with all your heart....love and prayers to all, from Becky and family
Jim Morford
November 16, 2012
I feel the sadness of Fred's passing, yet I cannot fully know how much pain and emptiness it brings to you, Trena, and the family. I have so many fond memories ... Fred was a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus ... may you experience God's peace amidst the pain! Blessings,
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jennifer howey
November 15, 2012
i am so sorry for your loss. i work for merry miads and he made me laugh evertime i was there. my prays are with you and your family.
Sandra Wimpelberg
November 14, 2012
Trena, Jenny, Aaron, I cannot begin to know the depths of your sadness. Fred fought valiantly against the disease and your presence, comfort and great joy that you brought him surely sustained him.
Fred will always be counted on the list of heroes, mentors and rich relationships of my life. His sweet presence, insights, wisdom, ability to listen, his desire to support, his ability to encourage in a way that made you know he believed in you - all characteristics of this lovely man who walked in integrity.
His life lives on in every person who was blessed to be touched by his committed life.
Mary Kay Moore
November 14, 2012
Trena, please know you and your family in are in my thoughts and prayers. Fred always had a smile when he greeted me.
Marsha Harjo
November 14, 2012
After working at the region office of the Am. Bapt. Region Office for many years as bookkeeper I must say....Fred was one of my very favorite. I still have gifts him and Trina gave to the office staff and think of him every time I dust. God Bless his family. I know he'll be missed.
Mary Ann "Hanes" Allen
November 12, 2012
I was upset to learn of Fred's passing. We attended grade school together (Third Ward) and I will always remember him as being a very compassionate and wonderful person. After high school we went our separate ways but met up again at one of our high school reunions. He will be missed.
November 10, 2012
My sincere apologies to all friends and family of this beloved lost one. Take courage in the scripture found at Phillipians 4:7.
Mickey Adams
November 10, 2012
Trena and family,
My deepest sympathy to you all. Fred was such a wonderful influence in my life as a young teen in Bradford. The entire Bowman clan sends their regards.
Mickey Bowman Adams
November 9, 2012
Trena, Kenneth, Bonnie, Charlie - I send you prayers for comfort in the loss of Fred and Richard. Glad to find you and remember you fondly. I wish the circumstances were happy. Love to you all, Linda Olson
Joan Abrams Peterson
November 8, 2012
Fred,as an 11 year old girl, I watched you and Trena walk hand in hand through the streets of Bradford,Pa. Your Love had its beginnings right before my very eyes. Thanks Fred for giving..everyday...in every way...to not just my sister...but to my mom and dad....your brothers...your mom and dad...those days were special..you began a life of giving love...not as a job but for the sake of love itself. We will all miss the way you chuckled...thanks again for loving us.
November 8, 2012
Fred was such a great example to students at Fort Hays. I so enjoyed your whole family. You truly walked the walk. Praying for your comfort because I know how much he will be missed.
Kathy Bahner Douglas
Sharon Mohr-McDermott
November 7, 2012
Fred touch thousands of lives, first mentoring young people at a group home, preparing us to be adults, before leading others within the Baptist Ministry. Fred devoted his entire life to helping others.
Arlo Reichter
November 7, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Fred was a good friend and a faithful minister of the Gospel.
Sharon Mohr-McDermott
November 7, 2012
My thoughts and condolences to Trena, Jennie and Aaron and family. He touched thousands of lives, first through mentoring young people, gearing them for life as adults, then later preparing others to join the Baptist Ministry. He worked hard in his life, and now his soul is with the Lord, who no doubt approved of the way Fred lived.
Fred Moore
November 7, 2012
My prayers are with Trena and the family. It was an honor to know and work along side Fred with his peaceful, loving and caring way! "Well done good and faithful servant!"
Rita Adams
November 7, 2012
Trina, Aaron & Jennie,
Our family members are in prayer for all your family. Fred has been a part of each of our lives. His struggles ended as our Heavenly Father welcomed Fred with open arms. May God give you the comfort and peace only He can give.
Rita Adams
Myrna(McGuire) Morley
November 7, 2012
Trina, So sorry to read of Fred's passing. I remember First Baptist, Pittsburg, when he and my husband, Pastor Bob McGuire, would often visit. Then Fred weathered the storm to come to Bob's funeral some 12 years ago. Please know my love and prayers are with you. It's never easy to lose those we love.
November 7, 2012
Our prayers are with Trena and the family on Fred's death. It was a privilege to work with him at Central Baptist Seminary and in the Region. In addition to our professional friendship Ruth and I enjoyed a personal friendship with Fred and Trena and we will miss him very much
November 7, 2012
Trena, Aaron and Jennifer, my condolences on Fred's passing. I doubt you know me but I certainly knew Fred. During the 80s and 90s, several young people were struggling with the call to ministry. Fred was a source of leadership and encouragement, bearing fruit which will continue to be borne for a long time yet to come.
God bless you and your families.
Jeff Burbank
Chaplain (Major), US Army
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