Frederick "Freddy, Fred" Hugh Gesin

1939 - 2024

Frederick Hugh Gesin (Freddy, Fred)
June 24, 1939 – September 15, 2024
Born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on June 24, 1939, Frederick Hugh Gesin-affectionately known as Freddy or Fred-was the son of Sarah Frances Holland and Fred Harrison Gesin, Jr. He arrived at the hospital where his grandmother, Edna Holland, served as Head Nurse. Fred passed away peacefully in Valencia, California, on Sunday, September 15, 2024, with family by his side.
He spent his early years in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, before the family moved to Broken Arrow, where he began third grade and eventually graduated from high school. Fred's love of music was clear from an early age-he played in school bands and orchestras throughout elementary, secondary school, and college. As a drummer, he performed with dance bands including the Polka Dots, the Roadrunners, and the Eden Trio. He also marched in the bands at both Northeastern State College (NSU) and the University of Oklahoma.
After graduating from NSU, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 2, 1962. His time as an enlisted soldier proved invaluable during Officer Candidate School, and he later served in Military Intelligence with assignments that spanned Europe, Asia, and the United States. Over his 20-year career, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and received several honors, including the Bronze Star, the Berlin Unit Patch, and the Army Commendation Medal. He also earned three Master's degrees-education was a lifelong priority. Fred retired from the Army in 1982.
Following his military service, Fred continued his work in military intelligence and corporate security through roles with Motorola Government Electronics Group and Orbital Sciences in Arizona.
On June 28, 1963, Fred married Janet Christine Pugh of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Together, they built a life that took them to Virginia, Oklahoma, West Berlin, Arizona, California, and beyond. Their first son, Scott Eric, was born in West Berlin, and their second son, Warren Frederick, was born in Vienna, Virginia.
Fred was deeply committed to serving his community. He spent 10 years as a member of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department "Volunteers on Patrol," and also gave his time to the Santa Clarita Veterans Consortium, the Santa Clarita Senior Center, Oakmont of Valencia, and The Guardians Santa Clarita.
Janet, Scott, Warren, and Toni continue to reside in California. Fred is also survived by his granddaughters, Shelby (Arizona) and Madison (Oregon), as well as extended family in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona.
He will be interred at the Fort Gibson National Military Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, on June 20, 2025.
Fred believed in living with purpose and curiosity-he often said, "You should learn something new and meet someone new every day."