Freddie Jack Van Bever

Fred Van Bever was born October 3, 1932 in Pineville, KY. When he was three years old, his parents, moved to Norton, VA. Fred’s schooling through 12th grade occurred in Norton. Fred was an ideal son, respectful of authority and adhering to a strong moral code. He was admirably intelligent. He was an exceptional athlete, earning letters in baseball, football, and basketball.

When Fred was 19, he enlisted in the Navy. He thought it was the right thing to do for our country. When he arrived by train at Great Lakes, MI for basic training, the facility was full, so the train was redirected to San Diego, CA.

During basic training his commanding officer placed him in charge of making sure everyone kept the barracks clean. As a reward, Fred received a key to a refrigerator where sugar-coated strawberries were kept. Those berries were the cause of him to exceed 200 pounds for the only time in his life. He surrendered the key to his commanding officer.

Fred served with distinction during his four years in Norfolk, VA. He was part of a team on an airplane that searched for enemy submarines off our nation’s east coast. One day he parachuted from the plane with just a knife and disabled a 12-ton submarine. I think that is correct, but maybe he ate a 12-inch submarine sandwich with his team members instead. You decide.

Fred Van Bever and Margaret Dye were married in Norfolk, VA during the Navy years. They remained married 67 years. They were firmly committed to the institution of marriage.

Post-Navy, Fred and Margaret moved to Big Stone Gap, VA, where Fred purchased a small business. Their first son, Mark, was born the next month.

Fred sold the business about three years later, and his three-person family moved to Melbourne, FL due to a job offer with Radiation Incorporated. While working full-time, Fred used the GI Bill to complete his college education.

Fred and Margaret’s second son, Brent, was born four years after their move to Florida. Fred and Margaret loved their sons as deeply and openly as any parents have ever loved their children. They devoted their lives to their boys.

Fred worked as a quality assurance engineer at Radiation Incorporated and Harris Corporation for 36 years. He worked on important and sometimes secret projects. At a young age, one of his sons thought Fred was a spy.

For over 20 years, Fred coached kid’s baseball and football. He taught teamwork, dedication, sportsmanship, and integrity. He encouraged his athletes to go to church on Sunday. He had championship teams, and through his godly example, he helped grow championship young men.

Fred was a great man and the best Dad ever. He loved his family with all his heart. He sacrificed for his wife and sons. In his final years, he would push himself beyond his energy capacity to participate in family gatherings.

March 7, 2022, was a day to be remembered. At 11:44 AM, God promoted Fred to heaven. Life changed for him. This life became eternal life. The Bible says, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Fred left his body and was escorted to the presence of the Lord. The media wasn’t there. The world didn’t watch the closure of his life, but all the angels did, and when he entered heaven, they applauded and sang. It was a glorious occasion.

Through his life, Fred left a legacy on earth. He was generous and hospitable. He was witty. He loved to tease, joke, and laugh.

He had a strong, manly grip. He was the model for how men and boys should shake hands with each other. In his final days, although his grip on this world was loosening, his grip on someone’s hand was strong.

Fred was an encourager. He knew exactly how to compliment and express appreciation.

Most importantly, Fred was a Christian. He placed His faith and life in the Savior. If he were here today, he would say, “Don’t worry about me, I’m in God’s hands. I’m strong and I have no more health problems. Make sure you place your faith in the Savior, so I can see you soon in heaven.”

Fred Van Bever is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters-in-law, three grandchildren, the wife of a grandchild, and two great grandchildren, a brother-in-law and wife, and sister-in-law and husband.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 12 at 11 AM at First Baptist Church Melbourne; 3301 Dairy Road; Melbourne, Florida 32904. Visitation will be at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to First Baptist Church of Melbourne Building Fund.