Fred Boone

On March 9th, 2017, the North State community lost one of its finest members, Fred LeRoy Boone. Shortly after his 80th birthday, Fred passed-away peacefully surrounded by beloved family. Fred was preceded in death by his sister Sharon Lloyd and his first and second wives, who were the mothers of his children, Violetta Belvill and Shirley Boone. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Nancy Boone, his 5 children: Deborah, Christine, Tammy, Michael (Christelle), and Daniel; 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren plus cousins, nieces and nephews. Fred was born February 19th, 1937, to Vivian and Francis (Frank) E. Boone in El Centro, California, during the Great Depression. His mother's family were all farmers by trade, and as a young boy he dreamt of being a farmer himself, driving a tractor just like those he would ride on with his uncles. As a child, Fred enjoyed fishing which would become a lifelong passion as he would spend many days wading the waters of the Sacramento River. Throughout his life, Fred felt a strong connection to his El Centro roots. In 1946, his parents moved the family to Red Bluff to start Boone's Wholesale, a candy and tobacco distributorship catering to country stores and ranches throughout Northern California. The business quickly thrived and needing more space the family moved to Redding in 1948, when Fred was 11-years old. Once in Redding, Fred attended Pine Street and Sequoia Schools. He spent his time working in the family business with his parents after class. He graduated from Shasta High School in 1955, and attended Shasta College before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1957. While in the Air Force, Fred served as an aircraft mechanic for 4 years at Travis Air Force Base. During his time in the military, Fred married Violetta Chapman, and had three of his five children- Deborah, Christine, and Daniel. This marriage, however, ended in divorce 5 years later. After leaving the military, Fred went to work full-time in the family business. He joined the local Elks Club, and on his initiation night met Shirley Beebe. Six months later the two were engaged, and in 1965 Fred married Shirley, quickly growing his family by adopting her two young children, Tammy and Michael. Fred embraced fatherhood of five whole heartedly and enjoyed teaching his children everything from how to make the perfect shot to the importance of work ethic. By 1975, Fred had been at the helm of Boone's Wholesale for three years and transitioned the family business from selling tobacco and candy to institutional food supplies. Fred joined the Asphalt Cowboys in 1970 to help give back to his community. In 1984, he earned the title of Top Hand which is the organization's leader. He particularly enjoyed helping disabled children visit the rodeo grounds, cooking flapjacks during the annual pancake breakfast and directing floats at the annual rodeo parade. He stepped down as an active member in 2000. After 30 years of building a marriage, a family, a business, and a life together, his wife Shirley passed away due to complications from asthma. Shortly thereafter, Fred ultimately decided to sell Boone's Wholesale and embrace retirement after 55 years of business. But in retirement, Fred did not slow down. This new chapter of his life afforded him the opportunity to spend more time enjoying the simple things in life he cherished most- solo mornings fishing his favorite spot on Hat Creek (which his family still refers to as the "Mosquito Hole"), late breakfasts at his go-to dining establishments such as Lim's, The Shack, and Lulu's, afternoons that quickly faded into early mornings turning slabs of black walnut wood into beautiful bowls, hunting trips in Uruguay, constant volunteering for the organizations that he belonged to, and days with his family and friends. In October of 1995, at the suggestion of his daughter Tammy, Fred asked then Nancy Vollmers out for dinner after meeting her locally at The Bank of California. Fred immediately connected with the name Vollmers because in the 1950's he delivered Boone's Wholesale groceries to her family's Vollmers Ranch Store located north of Redding on old Hwy 99 above Delta, California. From their first date to the day they were married in July, 1996, and until his passing, Nancy and Fred were constant companions. They were the light in each other’s life, supported by their love and devotion. Nancy always said, God brought them together for a purpose, which was to take care of each other. That's what they did. Fred shared with Nancy his passion for woodworking, fishing and hunting and his philosophy of 'do the right thing'. He was an avid photographer evidenced by a rich collection of photos from their camping trips, cruises, day trips, and family gatherings. In later years as Fred faced serious health challenges, their bond grew even stronger. Through it all, Fred never complained and cared only for the well-being of Nancy and his entire family. Fred will be remembered as a loving husband, beloved father, cherished grandfather and great grandfather, loyal friend, honorable businessman, avid hunter, patient fisherman, skilled woodworker, colorful storyteller and quipster, and devoted community member. A celebration of life is scheduled for 11am Friday, March 24th, 2017, at McDonald's Chapel 1275 Continental Street, Redding, CA 96001.Donations can be made to the charity of your choice in the name of Fred LeRoy Boone. The family would like to thank all extended family, friends, and healthcare professionals for their love and support during this difficult time.