Fred J. Waelder

Fred J. Waelder, 85, of Fort Smith died September 7, 2011. He was born April 18, 1926, in Wichita Falls, TX to Carl Joseph and Faye Garrison Waelder. Named for his grandfather, Frederick Jacob Waelder, a lawyer and legislator who lived in San Antonio, TX. For valuable services rendered Texas railroad interests, the town of Waelder in Gonzales County was named for him. The Waelder family was written up in “The Makers of San Antonio.” Fred graduated from Wichita Falls Senior High School. He joined the Navy at 18 years old and served on the U.S.S. Saratoga where he was injured in a turret gun explosion. He was flown to Bremerton, WA and spent three months recovering from his injuries. He returned to Wichita Falls and enrolled at the University of OK and graduated with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. Fred and his family came to Fort Smith in 1961 with Schlumberger Well Surveying Corp. Like so many people he immediately fell in love with the city and its beautiful surroundings. After a move to OK City and New Orleans, he came back to Fort Smith and decided that is where he would like to live. Fred was an avid and accomplished hunter and fisherman. It was not unusual for him to receive notes from friends thanking him for creating a great respect for the woods and introducing them to the sport. He belonged to the Pajaro Gun Club and enjoyed shooting skeet and trap. One of his favorite trips was going White Wing Dove hunting in Mexico. He fished Lake Ouachita and had a place at Mountain Harbor for many years. Fred is retired from Waelder Energy and Waelder Oil & Gas. He was written up in “The Marquis Who’s Who in the South and Southwest.” Although Fred had a stroke years ago, his keen mind and unyielding spirit were not diminished by his physical limitations. He still had that wonderful smile and gleam in his eye. He was full of energy, enthusiasm, compassion and love. He was a devoted husband, an inspirational father, and a patient and loving grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Frances, of 59 years; 2 sons, Rowe & wife Sherry; Martin & wife Sandra. 4 granddaughters, Whitney Chillingworth & husband Erik, Molly Waelder, Lauren Barragan & husband Ludwig, Mary Katherine Waelder; one sister, Ada Waelder. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to very special friends, Mihai Tulbure & wife Mihaela, children M.J., Jessie, Tammy, Michael Glatz, Dr. Macon Landers, St. Edward Mercy Hospice, especially Donnie Jo Sanders, Constance Gaines, Gina Spann, Donald Carter, Jr., Lasonia Whitmore for their loving care. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church on Saturday, September 10 at 11:00 under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith.