Fred A. Stecher

Fred A. Stecher, 100, passed away July 13, 2024 in Fayetteville with his loving family at his side. He was born on November 22, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Clara Stecher, his wife, Kathryn, and son, David. He is survived by his sister Alma Weaver, daughter Sharon and son-in law Gary Guthrie, daughter Tracey Stecher, and grandchildren, Kamie Stecher, Angela Guthrie, Alison Guthrie, and Joshua Curry, all of whom he took great pride in.
Fred grew up on a farm and graduated from Etna High in 1941. He was drafted into the US Army Air Corps during WWII in 1943, and served in the 787th squadron in Attlebridge, England where he was a radio operator for B-29's. During his time there, he became a loyal pen pal with a girl back home. He returned home in 1946 and met and married his loving pen pal, Kathryn, on June 11, 1949. Fred then graduated from Ohio State University in 1950. He began his work as Produce Buyer and then Manager for Gerber where his job landed him in New York, Canada, and eventually Ft. Smith where he remained and retired in 1988. He travelled extensively with his job and made many friends with farmers along the way helping Gerber with the purchase of crops.
Fred was a member of Goddard Methodist Church for over 50 years where he made and kept a number of cherished friends over the years. Upon retirement Fred stayed active with volunteer work at church and in his community even into his 90's. He and Kathryn were so fortunate to create many great memories while traveling both in the U.S. and abroad after their children were raised.
Fred spent the last several years at Ciel Assistant Living where he could be found enjoying outings with other residents, socializing at Happy Hours, playing a fun game of poker with friends, or beating the socks off anyone who challenged him to a game of pool.
He will be missed by both staff and residents at Ciel, by many veteran friends whom he met and had lunch with every Wednesday at the American Legion and by his family who tried to keep close tabs on him which at times was an impossible feat!
Fred lived life to the fullest and loved to have a good time! He especially loved his trip to NOLA in 2022 with his son-in-law to visit the WWII museum on their commemorative Pearl Harbor Day. At 99 Fred was treated like royalty at the museum as he was interviewed, photographed and honored by everyone he encountered.
Being honored and celebrated by the veterans at the American Legion for his 100th birthday was quite a surprise and a memorable occasion for him at that time in his life. He has certainly been an inspiration and role model for all of us to learn how to live well as a Centenarian. He will be missed!
His service will be held at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville on Monday, July 22nd at 10:30 am. Please consider a gift in his honor to the American Legion Post 27, 1195 Curtis Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701