Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Frederick Hoke Lesh
1926 - 2016
Frederick Hoke Lesh
1926 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
Frederick Lesh Obituary
died peacefully at his home Easter morning, Sunday, March 27th, at the age of 90. He was born February 3rd, 1926 in Indianapolis to Perry Wilkins Lesh and Mary Lesh (Hoke). He attended Shortridge High School and upon graduation, enlisted in the Navy as a gunner on a merchant marine ship. After the war, he attended Wabash College where he joined the Phi Beta Kappa chapter and studied business. Upon graduation he went to work for the C.P. Lesh Paper Company, eventually taking over the presidency in 1963.
On June 18th, 1949, Fred married Nancy Early of Cincinnati, Ohio, and after a honeymoon in Banff, Alberta, they settled in Indianapolis to begin their lives together. They had three sons; Frederick Jr., David, and Perry, and based on Fred's stories there was never a dull moment at the Lesh house. Summer vacations were spent at the family cottage on Burt Lake in northern Michigan, where Fred was an active sailor and member of the Burt Lake Cottagers Association. He retired from the paper company in 1985, but he continued to have an active role in Holcomb and Hoke, serving as chairman of the board until the late 1990's. In retirement, when not spending time with close friends and family, Fred was a passionate golfer. He was an active member of Meridian Street Methodist Church, Rotary, Meals on Wheels, Service Club, Woodstock Country Club, Bay View Country Club, and Indian River Country Club. He was a loving father, grandfather, and friend who will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Nancy, and his two sons, Frederick Jr., and David. He is survived by his son Perry (Rosemary) of Tulsa, his daughter-in-law, Vicki (David), of Burt Lake, Ml, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Service will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Crown Hill Gothic Chapel, with calling from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Service immediately following. Donations may be made to Meal on Wheels, 708 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
KC Irwin
May 17, 2016
Uncle Fred was clearly a very caring and special man just like his father and all the Lesh relatives I ever met. Memories of Fred and his family and his importance in my life has not been diminished over time and distance. I always looked forward to our summer visits to Indianapolis and the opportunity to spend time with relatives, especially the Lesh family at their home on Holliday Drive where there was always something fun & entertaining going on. Uncle Fred, Aunt Nancy, Ricky, David & Perry were always so welcoming to the Irwins and they always went out of their way to make sure we were entertained when my mother, Fred's Cousin Ora Coats Irwin and my sister Leigh, brother Perry and I stopped by. Uncle Fred was so kind, particularly when he provided me with a summer job at CP Lesh Paper Co. for the 2 summers after I graduated high school which allowed me to care for and spend time with my grandmother, Fred's Aunt Charlotte Lesh Coats. Uncle Fred will always hold a special place in my heart and the fond memories of my times spent with the Leshs will never be forgotten. Love and caring thoughts go out to Perry, Vicki and their families. I would love to get in touch at some point in the future! [email protected]
Erik Johnson
April 11, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Fred was indeed a fine and generous gentleman. I will always remember Fred for his kindness to me when I was trying to self-publish a book about Union Station in Indianapolis. It was Fred's gift of paper that allowed me to proceed with printing 1,000 copies of the book, "Reflections on America's First Union Depot," in 1978. When I joined Rotary many years later, I was delighted to see Fred and get to know him a little bit better. I always volunteered to ring the bells for the Salvation Army because of Fred's active involvement. It was the least I could do for a man who helped me, as a young Butler graduate, fulfill my goal to publish a book of my photographs and interviews of and with people who worked at Union Station. I plan to continue to pay forward Fred's generosity to others in the years ahead.
My prayers are with the Lesh Family.
Cathy Birsfield (Lesh)
April 3, 2016
Whatever Uncle Fred did had that special touch. It is my prayer that he knows how important and irreplaceable he was in the lives of so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the immediate family. Bill and Cathy Lesh Birsfield
Darlene
March 31, 2016
My deepest condolences to your family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you, it is never easy to lose a loved one who is so dear to your heart, May you draw comfort from God, who will sustain you and give you peace .2 Corn 1:3,4
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
March 31, 2016
Fred was the best! Enjoyed golfing with him and talking about Sumners in Michigan. David Leonards
Don Wilson
March 31, 2016
May Fred rest in peace with his Lord in Heaven. God bless his family.
March 31, 2016
To Perry and family: May our Lord God's peace be with you at this time.
The Southwood MGM Bible study group.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Make a Donation
in Frederick Lesh's name
How to support Frederick's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Frederick Lesh's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
