- Date Of Birth: August 29, 1923
- Date Of Death: November 19, 2008
- State: Indiana
Wilbert L. Fredericks, 85, Pendleton, passed away peacefully with family members at his bedside in the early morning hours of November 19, 2008 following an extended illness.
He was born August 29, 1923 in Anderson and was a lifelong resident of this area. For many years he wintered in Port Charlotte, Florida, where he and his late wife, Phyllis, enjoyed their retirement years together.
Wilbert was a 1941 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He enlisted as a US Marine and served in the South Pacific during WWII.
Wilbert was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight in the Anderson Knights of Columbus. He was a lifelong Republican and a living part of Tom Brokaw’s “The Greatest Generation.” Wilbert was a Paul Harris Fellow.
In his early career, Wilbert worked for the Indiana Gas Company. He was then manager of Chesterfield Lumber Company, and for several years, was owner of the Caboose Bar & Grill in Anderson.
In the early 1970’s, Wilbert and Phyllis purchased the Markleville Lumber Company and then later founded Fredericks Incorporated Contractors of Pendleton. This provided career opportunities for their family of eight sons and daughters in the decades that have followed. They retired as co-chairpersons of these firms in 1978.
Survivors include eight children: sons, Edward and wife Lynn Fredericks, Gerry and wife Diane Fredericks, Stephen and wife Terri Fredericks, John and wife Bonnie Fredericks, William and wife Jeanne Fredericks; daughters, Janice Stamper, Phyllis Nightenhelser and Karen and husband James Carr. A brother, John Fredericks in Arkansas; a sister, Kathryn King in Lebanon and a sister, Margaret Johnson in Oregon also survive him. He also leaves 26 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who loved their grandfather dearly and will miss the awesome family Christmases.
Wilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret Riley Fredericks; brothers, Edward Fredericks, Joseph Fredericks and sisters, Mary Helen Hoffner and Alice Fredericks.
