Frederick Middleton Pfeffer

Frederick Middleton Pfeffer, 87, passed away on February 3rd, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia. He lived in Ada, OK all his adult life and raised his family there. Fred was a loving and devoted husband, father of two and grandfather of six. He lived a life marked by devotion to family, service, and education.

Fred was born in Cincinnati, Ohio January 13, 1939 to Paul and Matilda Pfeffer. He grew up there and graduated from Hughes High School, where he enjoyed several sports including swimming and baseball. After high school he continued that love of sports and played minor league baseball while pursuing a college degree. He attended the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry (1960) and Master's degree in Biochemistry (1963). He and Mary lived in the same neighborhood in Cincinnati and knew each other growing up, but started dating in college. They were married in 1965.

Fred dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to scientific pursuits, beginning as a chemist and a commissioned Lieutenant with the U.S. Public Health Service in Denver, Colorado from 1963 to 1966. Later he and Mary moved to Oklahoma where he worked as a Research Chemist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory in Ada. After retiring, he discovered a deep love for teaching and went on to instruct chemistry, physical science and physics lectures and laboratories at East Central University in Ada for 25 years, where he influenced and inspired countless students. He and Mary donated his teaching salary to establish a scholarship fund that continues to provide financial assistance to multiple students each year.

A man deeply committed to his community, Fred was an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church for 60 years, where he served in several lay leadership roles. He devoted time to Kiwanis Club and loved the club's role maintaining the children's playground facilities at Wintersmith Park. He also gave generously of his time as a Cub Scout leader and as a Little League baseball coach.

Fred was preceded in death by his father and mother, Paul and Matilda. He is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 60 years, their son Paul and his wife Robin in Richmond, VA, and their son John and his wife Denise in Parker, CO. He was a proud grandfather and is survived by his six grandchildren: Matthew, Nate, Erin, Ryan, Ian, and Eric.

Fred will be fondly remembered for his intellect, his generosity, and his enduring dedication to his family and community. A memorial service will be at 10:00AM on March 7, 2026, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Ada, Oklahoma. The family asks that those who wish to please consider making memorials to St. Luke's Episcopal Church.