FRED EDE

Fred Curtis Ede, 84, of Fresno, Ca, died January 3, 2013. Fred was born February 19th, 1928 in Fresno to Fred Ede and Dorothy L. Bates. He grew up and attended Roosevelt High School. He was an outstanding football player and was voted to the all-conference team. At Roosevelt, he made many life-long friends. He was known for hosting extravagant class reunion celebrations as well as attending monthly lunch gatherings with special friends. In 1948 he married Bobby Whitley. They were married for 46 years. During that time, Fred worked side by side with his father at the Fresno Planning Mill. After working with Oscar Spano, he in turn established M&L Plumbing in 1966, a successful company that is now run by his son, Fred and grandson, Chad. In addition to the plumbing business, Fred was a farmer of plums, nectarines and oranges. Over-seeing his many orchards was a job he truly cherished. Fred's heart also belonged to his race cars. He traveled the country racing. He groomed drivers such as Al Pombo, Bill Scott, Jeff Gordon, Kenny Erwin and Ryan Newman, resulting in numerous championships. His race cars remained a huge part of his life. One recently restored race car is on exhibit in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Iowa. In 2011, Fred was inducted to the Legend of Motor Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments. In Fred's spare time, he enjoyed traveling to his beach house in Shell Beach with his family, and visiting friends. He was also a huge supporter of the Fresno State Bulldog Football team. While his grandson, Chad was a player, he never missed a game and traveled across the country to show his support. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bobby Ede; and brother Lowell Ede. He is survived by his son, Fred Ede Jr. and his wife Terry; daughter, Karen Bessey and her husband Steve; four grandchildren, Tracy Kirby, Chad Ede, Kevin and Cory Bessey; eight great grandchildren who adored him; and lastly his faithful dogs, Lacy and Dakota. A Graveside Service will be held at the Clovis Cemetery on Wednesday, January 9, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, the family will host a luncheon at Pardini's in Fresno. Yost & Webb Funeral Home, 1002 T Street, Fresno, California (559)237-4147