Fred Stobaugh
1917 - 2016
Fred Stobaugh
1917 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1917
DIED
2016
Fred Stobaugh Obituary
He is survived by two daughters, Marcy Hemp of Bartonville and Valarie (Mark) Mason of Peoria; four grandchildren, Rocky (Anne) Hemp Jr., Angie (Jeff) Brabson, Sarah (Alex) Schreiber and Samuel Mason; five great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. He is also survived by one brother, Donald Stobaugh of St. Louis, Missouri.
Fred was a delivery driver for over 30 years at the West Bluff Cleaners, retiring in 1975. He was a member of the Teamsters Union. He loved gardening and his love for his family was of the utmost importance in his life. In the fall of 2013, Fred captured the hearts of millions when he wrote a song for his late wife titled “Oh Sweet Lorraine.” Fred was honored as ABC Person of the Week and credited as the world’s oldest songwriter to top the Billboard charts.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Pastor Harold Greene will officiate. Visitation will be Monday evening from 5pm to 7pm at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Memorials may be made to the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donna Becker
March 18, 2022
I met a woman today whose name is Lorraine. It made me think of Fred´s beautiful song. You and Lorraine will live on forever in the hearts of many. Thank you for giving us all your gift of song.
Cheryl Rossi Davis
March 2, 2021
I just revisited the video of "Sweet Lorraine" and searched for "Fred". Iboray he and Lorraine are reunited and enjoying eternity together. Such a beautiful love story.
Barbara Miller
December 7, 2019
Thank you Fred!!! You and your wife will live on in the memories of everyone who has ever heard your song or read your story. You have touched so many lives. My family loves hearing your story and song over and over again. Thank you so much for showing the world what love really is.
Julie Smithson
November 20, 2019
Fred, as you and your Sweet Lorraine enjoy eternal life together in Heaven, a host of still-earthbound folks continue to be so thankful you were born! We are still in awe of the love you had for your Sweet Lorraine and the miracles that brought your song to fruition and helped you to reach out to countless people worldwide with your public witness of love and devotion. Thank you both, because without your Sweet Lorraine, there could not have been the hauntingly beautiful song and tribute to her. Remembering you through your great love as the third anniversary of your rejoining Lorraine in Heaven! <3 <3 <3
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P Huffman
December 21, 2017
Thank you Fred. You've shown the world what true love is. I'm sorry that the world has lost you, but so happy that you have reunited with the love of your life.
Samantha G
August 26, 2017
Dearest sweet Fred I too came across Sweet Lorraine a couple years ago, and purchased from Itunes but did not know about Took Her Home.( just purchased this one too) Oh my, such tenderness, such love, no doubt you are reunited with your sweet Lorraine. You blessed us all with your love, thank you....
Gaby Garcia
July 31, 2017
I just finished watching A Letter From Fred: The Complete Story and was searching on where I can send Fred a letter when I came across his obituary. There has not been a time when I've listened to Sweet Lorraine without crying.
Troy Perkins
July 3, 2017
Thank you Fred; your story has actually helped me with a poem I've been working on to recite at a retreat this fall. It is centered around God's grace and watching your videos really touched me and helped the words flow for God's grace, his love and the gifts he gives us everyday. God bless the family and friends I know miss you deeply. You are a wonderful man.
Ainsley Demesster
January 23, 2017
Hi Fred I watched your video I've actually watched them quite a few times it's really awesome I hope I can live a life as long as you have that's awesome that you wrote a song Oh Sweet Lorraine for your wife Lorraine and just today I watched the other one took her home congratulations buddy! I have both of them on Spotify see you guys soon one day!! :( <3
Mark Farist
January 18, 2017
I am so sadden by the loss of your dear Fred. I am a high school health teacher in Georgia at a large metro Atlanta high school, Sequoyah High. Each semester I use Fred's wonderful love story as a teachable experience of marrying the right person and how that brings an individual such a high quality of life. The students in my health education classes are so touched, some even to tears, when they reflect on this great love story. As a family, may God continue to bless you all for your willingness to share this sweet man's story with the world.
Meg Johnson
January 9, 2017
I did not know you personally but I knew your songs and the story of your wonderful life that you shared with your "sweet Loraine". I just lost my husband of 45 years on New Years Day and hope I can grieve with the same dignity you showed. My sympathies to your family.
Julie Smithson
January 8, 2017
Like many, I never met Fred or his sweet Lorraine, but my heart was enriched by his story and song. God is so good, to gift the world with this man and his love, and make a way for his love to be shared worldwide!
Virginia Thomas (Acuff)
January 8, 2017
Sorry to hear about Fred passing. I always thought of him as a nice neighbor. I lived next door on Proctor St. This didn't mention Pam, is she deceased? Again sorry for your loss.
charles swearingen
December 22, 2016
What a great man...
Karen
December 1, 2016
Fred's story touched me so much..........I'm sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man to his family here - but I hope there is some peace knowing he's back with his Sweet Lorraine.
November 29, 2016
Marcy and Valarie and the entire family, we are so sorry (and shocked) to learn of Fred's passing. He was just in last month and seemed like the same old Fred. He was truly one of our favorite patients and we will miss him! Wishing you peace in the upcoming days and months. He was a true gentleman. - The Staff of Miracle Ear: Mike, Bill, Maureen and Jenny.
Chris Linsley
November 28, 2016
So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies.
Chris Linsley
November 28, 2016
I am unable to make visitation. All of you have my deepest sympathies.
November 27, 2016
You are finally standing by her side. God Bless!
Patricia Gallagher
November 26, 2016
My condolences to Fred's family and friends. I just discovered Fred and Lorraine's story this evening via Facebook. How wonderful that his beautiful story is changing hearts around the world! May he rest in peace with his Sweet Lorraine.
Greg Michelle Matt Fritz and Beverly Harms
November 26, 2016
We will surely miss Fred a lot I will miss him he used to come to visit and get tomatoes at our tomato stand in the summer. He really missed lorraine and now he is with her., Fred was a thoughtful and kind person
Matt La Victoire
November 26, 2016
I am so sorry for your family's loss but, if I may, I'd like to thank you for sharing your beloved patriarch, Fred, and his story with us all. He touched so many and reminded us that a lifetime love is indeed possible. I smile when I think about Fred now joining his Sweet Lorraine for eternity in heaven.
Marie & Tom Inglis
November 26, 2016
We were lucky to spend time with Fred on various occasions. My husband always asked when family get togethers were planned with my sister if Grandpa Stobaugh would be there. What an amazing life he lived. We will miss seeing him, super geniune man. Prayers Marcy, Rocky, and Angie. Keep those wonderful memories in your hearts!! He was a blessing to the family and those who knew him.
Mary
November 26, 2016
such a wonderful story of love shared with us all. Peace and sympathy to all his family and friends
Lynn Banister
November 26, 2016
Your dad touched so many with his beautiful tribute song. It was wonderful to see him on tv and hear his story. Though I didn't really know him, I wanted his family to know the joy he gave with a simple song of his love for your mom. God Bless.
November 26, 2016
so sorry for your loss - what an AWESOME man
Love to you all during this time
Karen Gilles
Kim Baker
November 26, 2016
Fred touched so many lives, although many of us were not blessed to know him personally. My dad passed away recently at the age of 89 and we payed Fred's song as one of the background music selections for the slide show. I'm sorry for your loss of such a kind man.
Diana Price
November 26, 2016
Uncle Freddie was a sweet man. He was always good to everyone. I will miss him very much.
Jefferey Sutton
November 26, 2016
The video about his story about his beloved wife touched my heart. He was an inspiration to us all. He showed us true love and his songs were very beautiful. He will truly be missed.
Alice Zumbé
November 26, 2016
Dear Fred,
Now you are reunited with your sweet Lorraine for eternity. Thank you for sharing your love with all of us and for the songwriting. It has been inspiring for my writer life.
I wish you both a good journey, wherever you are.
Best regards,
Alice Zumbé
Jeanie Felix
November 26, 2016
I am so glad I got to hear your story and song that you wrote for your wife. What a beautiful soul you are. Sending love and prayers to family and friends. You touched the world and reached for the stars! ❤
Shelley Rogers
November 25, 2016
The world would be a better place if we had more people like Fred Stobaugh in it. Thank you for sharing your heart and your "Sweet Loraine" wih us all. We are all richer for it.
andrea strassburger
November 25, 2016
You touched so many hearts, your words will live on.....he took you home. So very sorry for your loss.
Lana Schaubhuth
November 25, 2016
Oh My.. Fred SO much reminds me of my own Dad..! <3 Not only does he look and talk like him, but my Dad lost our Mom in 1969, and he never took off his wedding ring until he went home in 2005 (I made sure it stayed on his finger!) Bought her anniversary gifts & card each year to put in the house. I would love your your parents and mine to meet in Heaven for some root beer! <3 (my dad's best friend when he was young used to make root beer in his basement!) :-) This generation needs to know what real love is.. Fred and Lorriane's story wont fade but inspire more & more! Much Love and peace to your family! God Bless! <3 xxoo
Debbie Almquist
November 25, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed learning about your Dad's songwriting, and the lovely tributes he made to your Mom and their life together. He will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with you.
Heather Williams
November 25, 2016
What a wonderful time for you, Fred, to finally be in Lorraine's arms again! You've touched my life and many others. You will be remembered forever. R.I.P.
Debi Himes
November 25, 2016
Thank you so much for sharing the love you have for your wife with the rest of us. You were such an inspiration. I know that even though you will be sorely missed here on earth, heaven is shining a little brighter now that you've arrived. My deepest condolences to your family and friends.
Delia Camp
November 25, 2016
I never knew him personally, but his song "Sweet Lorraine" with such immediately accessible lyrics touched my heart as well as the hearts my children. I hope he's happily reunited with Lorraine. Thanks for the memories Fred and thanks for sharing the sweetness of your life far and wide.
Donna
November 25, 2016
May the heavenly choir of angels guide you, Fred to your Sweet Lorraine. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lisa Dickinson
November 25, 2016
Dearest Fred, you touched my heart with your love for your wife. I can imagine seeing the two of you in heaven in each other's arms. Love hope and prayers for your family.
Michelle
November 25, 2016
Fred's love for his wife truly touched my heart. My own Mom died 3 years ago and I've watched what the loss has done to my own Dad. And hearing Fred's story reminded me of them. He truly sparked something inside of me with his words. I'll cherish the letter and the photos he sent me forever.
I hope his family finds solace in knowing he's with Sweet Lorraine again rejoicing and smiling upon them.
Nicole Alvarez
November 25, 2016
I was in shock when i saw his Obituary. I never meet him in person, but i saw him in A Letter from Fred | A Letter from Fred: The Complete Story on youtube years ago, he looked like a nice man and i loved the songs that were made with his letters. Forever Oh Sweet Lorraine in my top 10 song (of my most listened song of all time ).
RIP good man and my most sincere condolences to his family. Hugs from Chile.
Elda Brown
November 25, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the love he had for his Sweet Lorraine. He touched many people's hearts and souls with the song he wrote for her. The song is a treasure we can enjoy forever!
Sondra Graham
November 25, 2016
He didn't take him away, He took him home... to her...
Fred wanted to tell the world about his love for his sweet Lorraine, and that he did. The world lost a wonderful soul, and I cannot imagine the pain the family is feeling right now.
Enjoy your reunion with your sweet Lorraine again, Fred!
November 25, 2016
Fred brightened our world. His smile was full of light. His love for his sweet Lorraine was awe inspiring. I will treasure the words he wrote to his dear wife. I am sad, but happy they are together again.
My thoughts are with his family, and every person he touched along the way..including myself. Blessings~
Krystal Pepper
November 25, 2016
Mr Stobaugh touched so many lives including mine. We all have things in life that we wished we had and my one wish was to be able to meet Mr Stobaugh. Someday I will... and when I do meet this amazing man and his beautiful wife I'll be able to thank them for giving us a small glimpse of a lasting love.
I hope Mr Stobaugh's family finds even a little bit of comfort knowing how many lives he touched.
Lots of love - The Pepper Family
Darlene McLain
November 25, 2016
Dear children & grandchildren, You don't know me at all, but I want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. The story of Fred & Lorraine touched my heart when first released and not a week goes by that I don't listen to it on iTunes. I have it on my favorites playlist. Love each other with all your heart and trust in the promise of Jesus.
Collin Searl
November 25, 2016
Collin Searl
Mary Butler
November 25, 2016
Rest in Peace Fred. Sweet Loraine must be so happy to finally see you once again!!! Thank you for the beautiful love story and songs!
Peggy
November 25, 2016
God Bless your beautiful soul Rest In Peace
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