Fred Cousins

Fred Cousins was born October 4, 1936 in Independence, MO and moved to Ft. Smith at age 14. He graduated from Ft. Smith Sr. High School in 1954. He followed his older brother Duane Cousins to Kansas State University and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He decided to take a break and transferred to Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a degree in Architecture. While at OSU he met the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Murlene Janine Nelson of Oklahoma City.

In the span of one month, he graduated, got married and was commissioned in the US Army and served active duty at Ft. Lee, VA.

After his service he returned to Ft. Smith to make his home and for 30 years he was President and plant manager of Kenline, Inc. where he designed and manufactured fine upholstered residential furniture. For 20 years after that, he was owner and President of Cousins Products. Since then, he has been a beloved and regular substitute teacher of Ft. Smith Public Schools, mainly at Southside High School.

Fred loved the outdoors; canoeing, skiing, biking and all things Razorbacks as well as OSU Cowboys. He was civically active in Ft. Smith Q&A and in the Darby Military Officers Association. He was a member of Ft. Smith RAM where his extraordinary artistic talents are often in the regional art shows. Fred was a dedicated member of First Lutheran Church for 59 years.

Fred was blessed to have as parents Ray C. Cousins and Thelma Louise Dillon Cousins, who along with older brother Duane Cousins preceded him in death.

Fred is survived by his wife, Murlene Cousins of Ft. Smith, daughter Leigh Ann Fuller and husband Chuck Fuller of Jenks, OK, son, Craig Cousins and wife Susie Cousins of Rudy, AR, Grandchildren; Jackson and Chandler Fuller of Dallas, TX, Brooklyn Cousins of Raleigh, NC, Savannah Verdier of Fayetteville, AR, Mason and Samuel Cousins of Goodland, KS and great grandson, Luke Verdier who entered the world the day Fred exited, brother, Jerry (Carolyn) Cousins of Little Flock, AR, numerous nephews and nieces.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church 1115 N. D St. Ft. Smith, AR 72901 or Darby Military Officers Association (MOAA) PO Box 180755 Ft. Smith, AR 72918.

Funeral service will be 10:00 am Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at First Lutheran Church with burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery. The funeral service may be viewed via live stream via the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/firstlutheranchurchfortsmith/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwDks4GZnAChvTGKopLpkIA

Arrangements are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home. To send online condolences please visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com