Frederick Joseph Dumas

DUMAS, Frederick Joseph (92), born Feb. 13, 1916 in New Orleans, Louisiana, died in Los Angeles on December 15, 2008. He earned his B.A. from Xavier University in New Orleans. Frederick married Annette Montegut in 1943, and was drafted into the army that same year. He served in the U.S. Army until 1946 as an intelligence officer assigned to the Tuskegee Air Base. As a young teacher in New Orleans, Fred fought for equal treatment for black and white teachers. After moving to Los Angeles in 1949, he earned is M.A. and worked toward his doctorate in education at USC. During his career as an elementary school teacher, principal and Assistant Superintendent for the L.A. Unified School District, Fred devoted himself to excellence in education for all children and equality and fairness for his community. Fred was the first president of the Council of Black Administrators (COBA), and mentored many young teachers. He retired in 1970, and spent his time writing his family history. Frederick is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, who provided vital support towards his achievements and cared for him until the end; his sister, Audrey; his children: Diann, Daphne, Frederick, III, Roland, Jennifer, Lisa (Zenon), and Richard; as well as his five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be private. Donations may be sent to COBA, for the Frederick Dumas Scholarship Fund, 3870 Crenshaw Blvd., Ste 217, L.A., CA 90008, or to Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana.