Fred Oliver Gerbode

Fred Oliver Gerbode entered into eternal rest November 8, 2016, days before his 89th birthday. Born in 1927 in Houston, he was the youngest of three children of Maybell and Fritz Gerbode. Upon graduating from Stephen F. Austin HS in 1945, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in occupied Japan until his return in 1947. Fred began his career with Shell Chemical Company in May and married his high school sweetheart Shirley on July 3. When their sons joined Scouts, he became a lifelong Scout leader, eventually serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 740 in the Willowbend area from 1964-1974. He received the Silver Beaver Award from the Sam Houston Area Council in 1972 in recognition for his service to Scouting. After retiring from the Shell Companies in 1988, he and Shirley traveled throughout the United States, sharing their love of the great outdoors.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Leacy and Fannie, and a daughter-in-law. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, sons Farrell and Timothy, their wives, four grandchildren, their spouses, two great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather from 2:00 - 5:00 P.M. Sunday, November 13, at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Rd. Funeral services are at 2:00 P.M. Monday, November 14, in the Chapel of the funeral home with interment in the mausoleum. In keeping with Fred’s request to be buried in his signature red jumpsuit, attendees are encouraged to wear red.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Stephen F. Austin High School (Houston) Alumni Association (http://www.austinalumni.org/contact/) or the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (www.shac.org).