Fred Howard Erdmann

March 13, 1921 - December 2, 2015

Fred Howard Erdmann was born at Wister, Ok, March 13, 1921 to Henry and Frieda Dirks Erdmann. He attended school in Idaho, North Dakota, & Oklahoma. In 1938, he graduated from Sayre, Ok High School, and five years later from Oklahoma University. The same month he finished at OU, he accepted a job with the Borger, TX Refinery of the Phillips Petroleum Company as a Chemical Engineer. Sept. 4, 1942, Fred married the former Zenora Amelia Herron at Norman, Ok. The couple resided in Phillips, Texas with their 3 children, Philip, Lanet , & Jay for 17 years before being promoted to the Woodscross Refinery in Bountiful, Utah.

In November of 1943, Fred entered the Army Air Corp (Air Force) at Fort Sill, OK as a cadet. He was commissioned in July of 1945. As to his hobbies, Fred was reported as saying, “I play golf every chance I get & enjoy it very much. I am a baseball fan and enjoy watching”. He lettered in basketball in high school and junior college. He also lettered in football in junior college when they were the state champions. He also liked ballroom dancing in his early years. He has lived in Idaho, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Montana, and the last 22 years in Arizona. He liked to travel and see new places. He and Zenora set a goal to visit every state in the United States and met their goal.

In 1957, while working at the Refinery at Phillips, Texas, Fred perfected a packing support for fluid-liquid containing vessels that merited him a $100 award and a place in the ranks of patent-winners.

Fred dedicated his heart to God and the Lord’s service as a young man. In 1962, while still residing in Phillips, TX, Fred and Zenora led a group from the Nazarene Church to plant and build a new church in Borger, 3 miles away. Fred drew the architectural plans for the church building, worked with city officials for permits during the day while he worked the evening shift at the refinery, managed the contractors, even stepped in to preach until a pastor was selected. The church continues to minister to the community there.

Once reported of Fred, “To become more proficient in my work, and help better the country we live in, to provide for and educate my family in the best manner possible is my goal.” We, his family, agree he has accomplished these goals lovingly, admirably and honorably.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Esther Erdmann Hendrix and his wife of 68 years, Zenora Herron Erdmann.

Fred is survived by his three children, Philip Erdmann (Roberta) of Houston TX, Lanet Erdmann Herring of Spokane, WA, Jay Erdmann of Gilbert, AZ, six grandchildren: Rachel Erdmann, Dustin Herring (Angie), Marc Herring, Scott Erdmann (Tia), Ricky Erdmann and Ryan Erdmann (Justina), and eight great-grand children.

We have been privileged to be loved by a sensitive, humble, outstanding, generous, Godly man and we are steadfast in our faith knowing his home is heaven. We loved and appreciated our dad and grandpa and will miss him greatly!