- Date Of Birth: November 28, 1933
- Date Of Death: January 10, 2018
- State: Indiana
Frederick L. Ham, was called to be with his Lord and Savior, on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. Fred was born at home on November 28, 1933, in Paoli, Indiana, to Margaret Lucille (Osborne) and Grant Lincoln Ham. It was an unusually warm winter day; the open windows allowing the smell of late fall to enter the newly built family home constructed by the skilled carpenter hands of his father and grandfather.
Fred had a happy childhood, enjoying the attention and upbringing of his lovely parents and adoring older siblings, George, Grace, and Oliver. Growing up in a small town in southern Indiana, life was carefree and lived to the fullest.
After graduating from Paoli High School in 1951, he set his mind on joining the Air Force. On March 15, 1953, he entered the United States Air Force. He attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. After completion of basic training, he was then stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming, receiving communication and facsimile training, which then led to a desire to attend Instructor’s school.
Fred’s love of history as a child and fulfilling experience as being an instructor while in the military led him to pursue the study of education as a profession after being discharged. He applied to and was accepted to Butler University in Indiana and the University of Denver in Colorado. He decided on Butler University because he desired a more intimate educational experience. Butler University would become his new place of learning and propel him into the next phase of his life, forever changing it.
In the fall of 1957, Fred attended Butler University to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in education, with a specialization in history. Thoughts of joining a fraternity entered his mind, but because of his time in the military he decided he wouldn’t fit in due to his age. Fred’s focus was to work hard and do well in school. He put himself through Butler using the GI Veterans Assistance Act of 1952 and holding a job, while being enrolled as a full-time student.
Having accepted a job in 1961, in the most sought out school district by educators in the state, Perry Township, Fred would find happiness teaching sixth graders at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School.
Always passionate about teaching, Fred took pride in forming close bonds with his students and cohorts. He believed in showing compassion and respect to and for his students and cohorts. Even until his passing, he stayed in touch with former students and cohorts, friendships that would last a lifetime and be woven into the generation of his own children. He loved every minute as a teacher in Perry Township and always gave it his all, walking in every morning proud as peacock in his three-piece suit and tie, with his pocket watch in tow, and a new project planned to challenge the intellect of his students. Fred and Calva believed in the strength of the educational programming in Perry Township so much that their own children attended Perry schools.
After retirement from teaching in Perry Township, Fred continued to pursue his passion of teaching. A close family friend, invited Fred to tutor and work with University of Indianapolis students on their studies. This came at a pivotal point after retirement that filled the void and love of teaching and working with youth. Again, strong relationships were formed with his students and cohorts.
His next venture would be the opportunity to enjoy his love of history and the workings of government by becoming a legislative proofreader for the Indiana State House of Representatives. This led to an invitation to become the Greeter for the Indiana State House of Representatives, which he did until two years ago. While at the State House, Fred crossed paths with many former students working in different capacities, which filled his heart. In addition, Fred was never too old to make a new friend, and until his passing stayed in touch with the cohorts who had become close personal friends while working at the State House.
In addition, Fred had many pastimes that brought him great joy and happiness.
Fred loved living and loved the life he had been afforded. He gave his heart and soul to the Lord as a young boy, served the country he so loved, found the love of his life on his journey to fulfil his dream to become a teacher at the university he loved, acquired a teaching job in a prestigious school district where he formed lifelong friendships with cohorts and students that he loved, found time to love those in need, and found love and joy in his children and grandchildren and all that they did. Fred was a modest man, sometimes thinking he was undeserving of the compliments he received. He always put the needs of his family above his own. A man adored by his family, friends, and students.
The last two years of his life were not easy, but he persevered with dignity, never questioning his faith in the Lord, living each moment to the fullest as he continued to make new memories. To the man we all loved, either as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, cohort, or student, we bid you adieu, until we meet again. It is not good-bye, but rather see you later.
Fred is survived by the following family members: the love of his life, his wife, Calva Jean (Hawes) Ham; daughter, Lori J. Ham; son, Stephen L. Ham; son and daughter-in-law, Christopher L. Ham and Jill M. Ham, and their children, Calvin B. Ham, Shelby L. Ham, Olivia J. Ham, and Noah C. Ham; sister, Grace (Ham) Sherman; and many wonderful and lovely nieces and nephews, as well as their fine children.
Fred is preceded in death by the following family members: mother, Margaret Lucille (Osborne) Ham; father, Grant Lincoln Ham; brother, George Ham (Jessie); brother, Oliver Ham (Eileen).
The family would like to thank the following people and organizations: Mr.
