Fred F. Pride, born June 13, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio to Celia Stefanska and Fred F. Pride. He died September 14, 2018 at the age of 95 years, 3 months, and 1 day. Fred grew up in a house full of females and learned all the fine points of how to charm the ladies. His mother died when he was a teen and Fred took off on his own. The big city kid was working on a cattle ranch in Colorado when Uncle Sam drafted him into the US Army in May of 1943. By December of that year he was fighting with the 41st Division in the jungles and caves of New Guinea and he Philippines. This famed 41st Infantry Division, the “Jungleers” saw combat at Hollandia, Biak, Zamboanga, and Mindanao and were the first American troops to occupy Japan. He walked the bombed out remains of Hiroshima and saw enemy submarines burned in Kure Harbour. He finally returned to the US in January of 1946. Fred met Wanda at Frigid’s Ice Cream Parlor on East Douglas in Wichita. As he told the story, he sure liked how she looked walking away in those green pants! They were married April 25, 1948. Fred worked as a machinist at Boeing for 32 years “without a layoff!” he always proudly added. He had many friends and hobbies. He raced cars and motorcycles in his younger days. Later he restored Model A Fords, marched with the Midian Shrine Legion of Honor and became a master woodworker. He built many beautiful oak furniture pieces cherished by family and friends.
Preceding Fred in death were sisters Anna McCoy and Lydia Price, and his son, Fred Pride. He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Wanda, daughter Cynthia & husband Davd, Jon John, daughter-in-law JoAnne, grandchildren: Tracy, Matthew, Michelle, Patrick and Alex. Great-Grandchildren: Trenton, AnnMarie, and Samantha. Memorial to Donate Life Kansas or Serenity Hospice.
