Fred Strong

On June 3rd, 1925 Fred Strong was born, to Nancy Dunlap and Fred Strong. He was raised in Escondido, California by his paternal grandparents.

Fred grew up on a 160 acre ranch. Fred and his family survived the Great Depression with the aid of the farm. Fred attended elementary school in a one-room school house in the area and attended High School in Escondido, where he graduated early.

In 1942, Fred started college at California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. On February 11th, 1943, Fred joined the US Marine Corp Reserves in Los Angeles. He joined the Marine Corp due to a strong sense of patriotism. Fred graduated at the top of his ordinance class and was stationed in Miramar, California where he worked as a mechanic for the armament on aircrafts. Fred served in Okinawa with a fighter plane squadron and in the Pacific Theater during WWII. After the end of the war, Fred and his unit were sent to China for six months before returning home to Miramar. Fred was honorably discharged from the Marine Corp on May 13, 1946 as a sergeant.

Fred met Helen Ward while training in Cherry Point, NC, whom he married in 1943. They had two daughters, Nancy and Cindy.

In 1975, Fred married Patricia Henning and her three children Laurie, Steve and Lisa.

Fred worked for the Gas Company for 41 years, from 1947 to 1988. Fred continued his education, taking night classes for certificates in Management and an Associate’s degree. He and Pat retired to Banning/Cherry Valley and have resided at the Highland Springs Village for the past fifteen years.

Fred was a member of the Beaumont Presbyterian Church and the Elks Chapter 1839.

Fred enjoyed traveling in his RV with his wife and dog throughout the country and the opportunity to share the experiences with his grandkids. Fred loved his dog Tasha and had a sweet tooth for lemon pie.

Fred is survived by his wife, Pat and his daughters Nancy and Cindy and their families. Fred is also survived by his three step children Laurie, Steve and Lisa and their families. Together, Fred and Pat have twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Fred is also survived by his brother Ernie and his family.

Fred passed away on Friday, February 4th, 2011 at the age of 85.

Fred will be remembered as a loved husband, father, grandfather and friend. His sense of hard work, honor, duty and respect has been reflected in his actions and will be remembered by all, including the country he loved so much.

Arrangements under the direction of Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, CA.