Wilson Frederick "Fred" Orth III

Wilson Frederick "Fred" Orth, III, a devoted husband, father, and lifelong servant to his community, passed away peacefully at home in Elizabethtown, PA, on December 3, 2024, at the age of 80. His legacy of kindness, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Kay Lynn; his sons, Tim and Greg; siblings Barbara Sielski, Mike Orth, Alene Clark, Peter Orth, and Nancy Orth; grandchildren Hannah, Gavin, Mason, and Mitchell; great-grandchild Lucas; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilson Frederick Orth, Jr. and Katherine Orth, of Coatesville, PA.
Fred was born on March 17, 1944, in Langley, VA, and grew up in Coatesville, PA, as the oldest of six children. He belonged to Boy Scouts of America and achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout in his teens. He graduated from Elizabethtown College with a degree in mathematics, and it was there that he met his college sweetheart, Kay Lynn Creager. They married in 1967, and together raised two sons, building a home filled with love, laughter, and countless fond memories. Fred was incredibly proud of his family, especially his grandchildren, with whom he shared his wisdom and his sense of adventure.
Fred's commitment to service began early in life and remained a cornerstone of his character. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967, where he served as a Captain and navigator during the Vietnam War. His time in the military was profoundly important to him, and he cherished his bonds with fellow veterans. Fred could often be found wearing his U.S. Veterans baseball cap, proudly connecting with others who had served.
After leaving the Air Force in 1973, Fred worked as a civilian computer engineer at the U.S. Navy Depot in Mechanicsburg, PA. His dedication to service never wavered. Fred was a member of the Masons, a leader for Scout Troop 1 in Elizabethtown, and supporter of various veteran and community organizations. Upon retiring from the Navy Depot in 2000, he turned his focus full-time to serving his beloved community of Elizabethtown.
For 46 years, Fred was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, where his deep faith guided his many contributions. He served on the finance committee, the board of trustees, and in grounds and facility management, always ensuring the church was a welcoming place for all. He also participated in mission trips with faith-based organizations like Carpenter's Calling and Heart and Hand, spending hours repairing homes and connecting with people in need. Fred was known for his "can-do" attitude and his belief that everyone had a story worth hearing. He formed lasting friendships wherever he went.
He also found time to volunteer at the UCEA Community Place on Washington-a hub for social services in Elizabethtown, including a food pantry, clothing barn and shelter. He had a unique gift for making the most complicated tasks seem manageable, and he loved sharing his knowledge with others. He was often found offering advice on everything from fixing leaky pipes to tending a garden-an ever-present teacher in the humblest ways.
In his free time, Fred was an avid gamer. He loved playing bridge, boggle, backgammon, and even some video games-Tetris and Dr. Mario, with Kay Lynn, and their games got quite spirited at times. He expressed many fond memories of their trips together, including a yearly visit to Colonial Williamsburg and weekend excursions with friends in their camping group.
Fred's family will always remember him for his constant presence-whether it was teaching his sons the value of hard work or taking his grandchildren and Kay Lynn on weekly adventures, where learning and fun went hand-in-hand. His patience, wisdom, and sense of humor left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.
Fred will be lovingly remembered as a teacher, giver, family man, and friend. His quiet strength, unwavering faith, and genuine kindness touched countless lives, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 14, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown, PA. The family will receive visitors from 9:30-10:45 am, with the service beginning at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow in the church social hall. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Fred's name to a cause close to his heart:
Disabled Veterans Association: www.DAV.org/Ways-To-Give
UCEA Community Place on Washington: CommunityPlaceETown.org/Donate-Funds or by mail to UCEA, PO Box 451, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Fred's life was a testament to the power of kindness, integrity, and faith. He showed us all how to live a life full of purpose, and his spirit will continue to inspire us.
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