Fred's obituary
Fred Edward Abshere, age 87
Fred, who was a cherished family man, and respected US Army Veteran, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, in Eugene Oregon of Natural age related causes.
Fred, said “I have lived a long, good life. “ His resilience has taught us that, even in the hardest moments in life, We can overcome any obstacle, and giving up is never an option. There is always a solution if you “ Use your head for something other than a hat rack.” “I can’t “ was often replaced with “Can’t, never did do nothing” , words that will be carried on for years to come.
He was born in early April 3rd 1937 in Texarkana, Texas, to the late Charlie and Mary (Crafts) Abshere. He cherished his children and grandchildren with all his heart. His life is a testament to his love, loyalty, and dedication to his Family, his country, and his close friends. He had a big heart, and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He would go out of his way to help, even for someone he didn’t know. He was always ready to share his wealth of knowledge and experience. His ability to solve problems was unparalleled. He held strong in his belief in being honest, and true to himself and others.
Fred's journey began alongside his beloved Mother. He had a large, loving family. He was a brother to ten siblings and an Amazing Daddy to his Daughters. His six grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren,idolized their “Papa”. He was and will forever be a Hero in his Daughters and Grandchildrens life stories.
In 1956 he wed Fern Smith, and had two daughters. Fern preceded him in death. On June 5, 1971 he married the love of his life, Sandra (Sandy) Jean Rhodes in Springfield, Oregon, while home on R&R leave from his US Army tour in the Vietnam war. They spent 48 wonderful years together and had two Daughters. Sandra preceded him in death, April 17th 2019, at the age of 70.
After dedicating 20 years of his life in service to his country as a Staff Sergeant E6 Communication Engineer in the US Army, including a tour in the Vietnam War, they settled in Goshen, Oregon. Fred worked in shipping and receiving for 22 years, for one Employer.
In 2006 they moved to Winston, Oregon , where they had many adventures and fell in love with the Umpqua Valley. His early work ethic was marked by various jobs that showcased his dedication to his work and his commitment to supporting his family and helping them get by.
As an avid outdoorsman and survivalist, Fred's interests included hunting big game, stream fishing, camping, crabbing, and long drives and adventures with his wife and their two Daughters. He loved going to the coast and also to the mountains. Him and his Wife Sandra spent their retirement days and free time spending quality time with their family, living on the South Umpqua River in Dillard, Oregon, and going on long drives together through the mountains and to the coast. They loved going to Winchester Bay, Oregon, where they would sit and watch the ocean together and eat at their favorite road side restaurant, King Neptunes.
Above all, Fred had an unwavering, unconditional love and dedication to his family and friends, defining his life. He will be deeply missed beyond words by all who had the honor and the pleasure of knowing him. His memory will be carried on forever.
Fred's legacy includes his loving daughters , Heather Corinne Abshere, and Rochelle Renee Davisson both of Eugene, Oregon; Juanita Marie Abshere of Eugene, Oregon. He is preceded in death by Melodie Dawn Southwick of Longview, Washington
He was a proud Grandpa "Papa" to six grandchildren; Trystin Abshere, and Madelinekate Peterson of Eugene, Oregon; Issac Davisson and Isabel Davisson of Eugene, Oregon; Timothy Abshere of Oklahoma, and preceded in death by Valley Abshere of Eugene, Oregon. He had twelve great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by five siblings and two step siblings
Altie Kiwala of Texas, Tom Abshere of California, Charlene Hawes, Charlie Abshere, Richard Abshere, Cecelia (Davisson) Abshere , and Katherine Davisson all of Oregon; He is survived by three brothers; Billy Abshere , Darrel Abshere , and Lanny Johnson all.of Oregon
His love and life lessons will be passed on for generations to come. His family will carry forward his spirit of adventure and love, forever in their Hearts, Until they meet again. He always said "It's Never Goodbye, it's just See you later Alligator, After while Crocodile. " He is loved so deeply. There are no words that can express how much he will be missed
Fred Abshere's life was a journey of love, loyalty, dedication, and service. He was always making people laugh and smile, even when life got hard. He never let anything get him down and kept his good nature and humor all the way to the end. His life story will continue to inspire those he leaves behind. He is Forever Loved.
His family is planning an outdoor Celebration of his Life and to Honor his Military career in June. To be announced at a later date.
I am trying to make the best of it all,
But if you want to know the truth-
It breaks my heart still,
Every day,
To live in a world,
Where there's no you.