Frederick Meranton "Fred" Fairchild

Garden County News (Oshkosh, Nebraska), Oct. 29, 1958, Page 1

Frederick M. Fairchild

Frederick W. Fairchild [editor: headstone reads M., WW I Draft Registration Card gives middle name as Meranton], the son of Herman E. and Margaret M. Fairchild, was born in Keith County, Nebraska, August 31, 1890, and passed away in Lewellen, October 15, 1959, having attained the age of 69 years, two months and 16 days. [Editor: WW I Draft Registration Card gives place of birth as Big Springs, Deuel County, Nebraska.]

Mr. Fairchild was educated in the rural schools of Keith county and attended the academy and college at Midland in Fremont, Nebraska, studying business administration. He returned to the family home east of Lewellen and continued with stock raising and farming until failing health forced his retirement. Having lived on the home place for more than 45 years, he and Mrs. Fairchild moved to Lewellen this year.

He was married to Viola Schafer November 15, 1941.

Mr. Fairchild leaves to mourn his passing his wife Viola, three sons—Douglas of Plattsmonth, Nebraska; Stanley of Jackson, Montana; and Wayland, Pangusch, Utah; his two living sisters, Mrs. Mary E. Clark, Lewellen, and Miss Ella Peterson of Keystone, Nebraska; three brothers, Frank of Garden Grove, California, Howard of Broadwater, and Clarence of Lewellen. A sister Alice preceded him in death.

Mr. Fairchild was an active member of the Lion's club and joined the membership of the Methodist church in 1955. A favored poem reflects his philosophy of life better than anything that might be written. It is a well known poem, by Sam Walter Foss entitled, "The House by the Side of the Road."

Rev. Don Littler of the Methodist church of Ogallala conducted the services, Mrs. Harold Burdick was at the organ and Mrs. William Hasemeyer was the soloist. Six fellow Lion club members were pallbearers—Fred and Archie Johnson, Ernest Fischer, Jim Clancy, and J. L. Kats.

Wright Funeral home was in charge of arrangements and final sevices for burial of his ashes were Saturday, October 24, at 2:30 p.m., in the Ash Hollow cemetery, with Rev. Fred Stilwell conducting the final rites, the immediate family members being present.