Edward Arnold Fruge

Some people leave behind a lifetime of stories, familiar sayings, and little traditions that become priceless once they’re gone. Edward Arnold Fruge gave his family all of those—and a love they will carry for the rest of their lives.

Edward, 86, of Montgomery, Texas, passed away on October 5, 2026. To many, he was “Brother Fruge,” a faithful pastor, chaplain, and trusted friend. To his family, he was a steady source of love and wisdom. And to two little girls who knew his house held hidden treasures, he was their beloved Pawpaw.

Born on December 1, 1939, in Beaumont, Texas, to Curtis and Bernice Fruge, Edward graduated from La Marque High School, where he raised rabbits through FFA. His dedication to his work continued throughout his years with Lockheed Martin and IBM, where he was recognized numerous times for his hard work. He took pride in doing things well, and those who worked alongside him knew they could count on him.

On December 7, 1962, Edward married Era Inita Fruge, the love of his life. Together, they shared nearly 60 years of marriage—the everyday moments, the raising of a family, and a lifetime of memories that belonged to them alone. She passed away in 2022, but remained deeply loved. There is comfort in imagining their reunion, with so much to say after their time apart.

Edward loved the Lord with his whole heart. His Pentecostal faith guided him throughout his life and his many years serving as a pastor and chaplain. The name “Brother Fruge” carried affection and trust. He was someone people could turn to for prayer, encouragement, or advice that gave them something meaningful to hold on to. He made room for people and their troubles, offering the kindness and patience he practiced in his own life.

He had a happy-go-lucky spirit and a gift for taking life in stride. He didn’t hold grudges or spend his days being angry. When something went wrong, his familiar “It’ll all come out in the wash” could put it back into perspective. And whether he was surprised, amused, or simply taking in the moment, “Oh my stars!” was never far away. Those words will always sound like him to the people who loved him.

Give Edward a boat, a fishing pole, and time on the water, and he was happy. Some of his most treasured days were summers spent fishing on Florida’s St. Johns River with his grandson. The fish were only part of what made those trips special. It was being together, sharing the day, and making memories neither of them would forget.

He found plenty to enjoy at home, too: a long phone call with a friend, an old black-and-white Western, or a game featuring his Houston Astros or Dallas Cowboys. He appreciated those ordinary pleasures.

But Pawpaw had a little secret that may be one of his family’s favorite stories of all.

Before his great-granddaughters, Paisley and Daisey, came over, he would leave money around the house for them to find. The girls would begin their search, convinced old Pawpaw had dropped his money again. Meanwhile, he knew exactly how it had gotten there. He had planted every little treasure just for them.

For the girls, it was the excitement of finding money. For Pawpaw, it was the joy of watching them find it. And for the family, it will forever be a reminder of how thoughtfully he loved them. He knew how to make a visit to Pawpaw’s house feel special.

Edward’s family will miss being able to call him, ask his advice, or sit with him a little longer. They will miss the easy happiness he brought into a room and the familiar expressions they knew by heart. But he gave them so much to remember: days on the river and lake, conversations worth keeping, laughter over his sayings, and two little girls searching the house while Pawpaw quietly enjoyed his surprise.

Edward was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Era Inita Fruge; his parents, Curtis and Bernice Fruge; and his two sisters.

He leaves behind his son, Rodney Fruge; his daughter, Rhonda Butts, and her husband, Lamar Butts; his grandson, Rodney Fruge Jr., and his wife, Ashley Fruge; and his two cherished great-granddaughters, Paisley and Daisey Fruge. Each carries memories of him that are uniquely their own, held together by the love he gave them all.

Family and friends are invited to gather and remember Edward at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303, on October 9, 2026. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Rest easy, Dad and Pawpaw. We’ll keep telling your stories, loving your girls, and smiling when we hear ourselves say, “Oh my stars!” And when life gets a little tangled, we’ll remember what you always told us:

“It’ll all come out in the wash.”