Donald Lloyd Fredell

Donald Lloyd Fredell passed away on November 16, 2025, at the age of 94, in Houston, Texas. He was born June 18, 1931, in Lowell, North Carolina, to Floyd Thomas Fredell and Ruth L. (Lay) Fredell. Donald grew up in Gastonia, NC and worked at Parkdale Mill as a comber tender as a teen. He married Peggy Joan Hutchins on June 10, 1951, in Shelby, SC shortly before he joined the Army.

Donald's service to his country began when he entered the military, where he excelled in basic training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, training as an artillery gunman. He was promoted to Corporal before being deployed to Korea in 1951, where he served in the infamous Geoje-do POW Camp during a tumultuous time in history. His bravery and leadership skills were quickly recognized, and he was promoted to Sergeant 1st Class while serving with the 145th Division Artillery Battery. Donald ended his military career honorably at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, in December 1954, having earned three Battle Stars for his service. Donald was thankful for the GI Bill which funded his business administration degree at Belmont Abbey College. He later earned his master's degree at Kansas State University.

Following his military service, Donald became an integral member of the American Red Cross. He began his career as an Assistant Field Director in Fayetteville, North Carolina, before being assigned to Yokota Air Force Base in Fussa, Japan. His dedication to supporting troops led him to various locations, including Bitburg, Germany, and London, United Kingdom, where he continued to uplift and assist military families. During the Vietnam War, Donald was assigned to Thailand, a country he grew fond of and returned to with his son, Mike. Over the years, Donald advanced through the ranks to become a Regional Director, District Director, and ultimately a Chapter Manager. His career took him across the globe, with stops in Bossier City, Louisiana, Columbus and Augusta, Georgia, Manhattan, Kansas, Stuttgart and Frankfort, Germany, Bellville, Illinois, Killeen, Texas, and finally El Paso, Texas, where he retired after decades of dedicated service.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Donald was a cherished friend and a man of diverse interests and passions. He was an avid reader and writer, contributing book and movie reviews for several newspapers. He enjoyed lively discussions on current and historical events with family and friends, showcasing his vast knowledge and love for learning. In his free time, he delighted in swimming, running marathons, playing tennis, biking through France and Spain, and skiing in the breathtaking landscapes of the Alps, Colorado, and Utah with his children and grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Peggy Joan Fredell; his parents; his daughter, Sandy Elaine Alldredge; and his brothers, Albert Fred Fredell, Lander Lee Fredell, and Richard T. Fredell.

He is survived by his two sons, Michael Loyd Fredell and wife, Marilyn Sue Pietzch Fredell, and Danny Floyd Fredell. He also leaves behind his son-in-law, Warren Ray Alldredge and his grandchildren: Michelle Alldredge Lynch and husband, Jeff; Troy Duane Alldredge and wife, Heidi Huber; Kimberly Alldredge Robb and husband, Warren; Morgan Nicole Fredell; Michael Raymond Fredell; and five great-grandchildren who will remember him fondly.

Donald will be laid to rest at Houston National Cemetery beside his beloved wife, Peggy Joan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Houston SPCA or a charity of your choice, reflecting Donald's lifelong dedication to helping others.