Fred Edward Abshere

Fred, who was a cherished family man and respected US Army Veteran, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, in Eugene, Oregon. Born on April 3, 1937, in Texarkana, Texas, to the late Charlie and Mary (Crafts) Abshere, Fred's life was a testament to his unwavering love and support for family and friends.
He was a brother to Altie Kiwala of Marshall, TX; Charlene Hawes of La Pine, OR; Charlie Abshere of Creswell, OR; Tom Abshere of Sacramento, CA; Billy Abshere, Richard Abshere, and Cecelia Abshere, all of Springfield, OR; Darrel Abshere of Winchester, OR; Lanny Johnson of Eugene, OR; and Katherine Davisson of Jasper, OR. His life was further enriched by his marriages to Fern Marie Smith, whom he wed in 1956 and who preceded him in death, and Sandra Jean Rhodes, whom he married on June 5, 1971, and who also preceded him in death.
Fred's legacy includes his loving daughters Juanita Marie Abshere, Heather Corinne Abshere, Rochelle Renee Davisson of Eugene, OR, and Melodie Dawn Southwick of Longview, WA. He was a proud grandfather (or 'Papa') to six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
After dedicating 20 years of his life in service to his country as a Staff Sergeant E6 Communication Engineer in the US Army, including a tour in Vietnam, his family settled in Goshen, OR. Fred then worked in shipping and receiving for 22 years. His early work ethic was marked by various jobs that showcased his dedication to his work and his commitment to supporting his family and helping them get by.
An avid outdoorsman and survivalist, Fred's interests included hunting, fishing, camping, crabbing and long drives. He and his wife, Sandra, spent their retirement days with their family and went on long drives together through the mountains and to the coast, usually to Winchester Bay where they would sit and watch the ocean together and eat at their favorite road side restaurant, King Neptune's.
He loved his family with all his heart and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He would go out of his way to help, even for someone he didn't know. He willingly shared his wealth of knowledge and experience with others. Fred's ability to solve problems was unparalleled and he held strongly to his belief in being honest and true to himself. He was, and will forever be, a hero in his daughters' and grandchildrens' life stories.
His resilience taught his family that, even in the hardest moments in life, we can overcome any obstacle and that giving up is never an option. There is always a solution if you, "Use your head for something other than a hat rack." "I can't" was often replaced with, "Can't, never did do nothing." His love and life lessons will be passed on for generations to come, and his family will carry forward his spirit of adventure and love forever in their hearts until they meet again. He always said, "It's never goodbye, it's just see you later Alligator--after while Crocodile."
Fred said, "I've lived a long, good life." His journey was one of love, loyalty, dedication, service, and making people laugh and smile, even when life got hard. He never let anything get him down and kept his good nature and humor all the way to the end.
He was loved so deeply and there are no words to express how much he is missed. His family is planning an outdoor celebration of his life, and to honor his military career, in early summer.
God Saw You Getting Tired, by Frances and Kathleen Coelho
God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
"Come to Me"
With tearful eyes we watched
you and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.