Fred Waits Cupell

1939 - 2025

Fred Waits Cupell

November 22, 1939 - October 22, 2025

Fred left us on the morning of October 22, 2025 to meet his Higher Power. Fred was born on November 22, 1939 to Fredrick and Arlene (Lilly) Waits in Winslow, AZ. His brother Charles P. Cupell was born on December 25, 1946.

As a teenager, Fred spent his summers at the Grand Canyon working and bunking with the "cowboys" caring for the live stock and doing odd jobs for his uncle Don Waits. He graduated from Winslow High School in 1958.



1958-1970

Fred graduated from Abilene Christian College with a Degree in Psychology and while there he married the now Joyce Johnson. They had daughter Carissa (Paul) Zak and they gave Fred two grand daughters Amanda and Madison.

He taught Special Education for two years at Flagstaff High School. He graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Master's in Special Education.

Their son John (Francesca) was born. They moved to Yuma to teach at Kofa High School. Fred worked part time at Standard Oil and bartended. He was assistant freshman football coach. Started and coached girls Powder-Puff Football, taught Drivers Education and was camp Counselor at Kohl's Ranch in Payson. He remarried to Susan Bean and moved to Tucson, Arizona.

1970-1980

Fred received a Kellog Grant to study at the University of Arizona to work toward his Doctor of Education (EdD). Moved back to Yuma where he became a Psychometrist as well as taught Special Education. He became Director of Special Education for the district. Was Camp Director at Shadow Valley Ranch in Prescott. During this time Fred and Sue had son, Scott (Brooke), father of granddaughter Sydney, and last son, Todd (Jennifer) father of grandson, Austin.

1980-1990

Fred became the School Psychologist, Moved to Yuma High where he developed a Psychology of Living Class, did group therapy and student-student mentoring programs and again coached football.

They went on many family trips to El Golfo, Oak Creek, Show Low and San Diego. They bought a cabin in Show Low and spent many summers working on it.

1990-Present

Fred met Sandra Farnsworth and they later married. He became step-father to Cathryn (Max) Dunham, Rusty (Joni) Farnsworth and Charles Farnsworth. He became step-grandfather to 8 grandchildren and 10 great grand children.

Fred loved to fishing, riding in the forest to spot animals, dove hunting with his sons and dancing. He spent his summers at his beloved cabin in Show Low. There he joined a performing dance group called The Starliners.

Fred was predeceased by his father and mother; stepfathers, Herschel Cupell and Carl Coon; uncle, Don Waits; ex wife, Susan Cupell, and stepson, Charles Farnsworth.

Fred was over 34 years sober. His favorite saying was "Don't Drink, Go to a Meeting and Take Out the Garbage.

A Celebration of Life will be January 10, 2026 from Noon to 3:00 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3030 South 8th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364, reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun