Fred Michael Barefield

Fred was born on August 2, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, the son of Marjorie Thomas and Fred Barefield Sr.

Fred leaves behind his beloved daughters, Neenah Barefield and Maylea Barefield-Dumas, as well as his nieces — who were like daughters to him — April Reed-Clark and Catherine Barefield. He is also survived by his loving younger siblings, Victoria Barefield-Stone and Timothy Barefield, and his cherished sister-in-law, Susan Barefield.

He is also remembered by his extended family, including his half- and step-siblings: Fred Barefield Jr., Reginald Barefield, Charles Douglas Barefield, Jacob Barefield, Love Barefield, Adam Barefield, Danny Barefield, Noah Barefield, Joseph Barefield, Catherine Robinson, Faith Barefield, Joy Barefield, and Ruth Barefield-Lomax.

Fred held a special place in his heart for his many nieces and nephews: Antonia Barefield, Lee Reed Jr., Lorne Reed, Lamar Reed, Conner Stone, Ka'Chyra Stone, Kalia Stone, Timothy Barefield Jr., Colin Barefield, and Tre Barefield, along with a host of great-nieces and great-nephews whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, stepfather Korda Collins, and brothers, Wayne Anthony Barefield and Fredrick David Barefield.

To say that Fred was a pillar in his community by many is truly an understatement. He was a mentor, a father figure, and a friend to countless people. Fred had a rare warmth and generosity of spirit — it was easy to become his friend. He was loveable, kind, funny, and a deeply sensitive soul with a heart of gold. Whether offering a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on, Fred was always there in times of need.

Fred had a lifelong love of sports, especially his time as a referee, softball coach, and football coach at Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School. He was a passionate fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs and proudly built a global community through his e-sports team in Clash of Clans. He loved hosting gatherings and attending the many family reunions that brought together his large and loving extended family.

Fred dedicated many years of his life to public service. He worked with the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy before retiring as a Sergeant from the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Fred’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, service, laughter, and strength lives on through everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private service for immediate family will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home in Hampton, Virginia.

A Celebration of Life will be hosted by the family in Georgetown, Illinois, on what would have been Fred’s 67th birthday, Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Georgetown Fair Banquet Center.