Howard Errell Fredeking

Howard Errell Fredeking of Sullivan, Missouri departed this life peacefully in his family home on March 12, 2022, at the age of 95, as his family surrounded him in love. Howard was born on February 18, 1927 in Amarillo, Texas to James Samuel and Abby Roe (Poole) Fredeking. In 1936, the family moved to the Bourbon-Sullivan area, where they owned and operated Fredeking’s Nationwide Store from 1937 – 1958. 

At the age of 17, Howard took a break from high school during his junior year, to voluntarily join the Merchant Marines. He was sent to sea to give aid to the Pacific war zone by hauling airplane parts and dynamite, and later went across the Atlantic and through the Mediterranean Sea to help rebuild Greece under the United Nations Relief Program. He was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States Coast Guard one day before his 20th birthday. He traveled home and went back to high school to finish his senior year.

He married the love his life, Mae Lou Davis, of Sullivan, in 1951. Together they shared the most wonderful and beautiful marriage, and were blessed with three children. He had a long and fulfilling 38-year career (1951-1989) with the same company as an engineer and head draftsman designing carburetor parts for Paco Co. (which later became Borg Warner, Echlin, and Pacer).

He lived a long and beautiful life full of extraordinary stories, and he had the amazing gift of making everyone feel so special. Howard leaves behind his wife of 70 years, Mae Lou Fredeking, who he has always said was the best decision he ever made. He also leaves behind three children who he was equally and extremely proud of: Sandi (Jim) Libhart, James (Theresa) Fredeking and Karen (David) Bauer. He will be missed by nine grandchildren: Reggie (Elza) Libhart, Chris (Margaret) Libhart, Brad (Angie) Libhart, Leslie (Josh) Deaton, Brittney Bauer, Sam (Brandi) Fredeking, Anna (Dustin) Kneemiller, Abbie (Kyle) Kloeppel, and Nic Bauer; and nine great-grandchildren: Ashley and Savannah Libhart, Phoebe Libhart, Cole and Gabe Libhart, Elise & Neely Deaton, Calvin Fredeking, and Joslyn Kneemiller. Being so well-loved, he will also be dearly missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Roe Fredeking; and his son-in-law, Jim Libhart.

Funeral Services was 11 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church in Sullivan, with Pastor Ron Koppelmann officiating. Interment followed in I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2022 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Memorial contributions in Howard’s name may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Sullivan and/or Mercy Hospice – 901 E 5th St, Washington, MO 63090.

Online condolences may be shared with Howard’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.