Fred L. Innis began his eternal life with the Lord on Sept. 26, 2010. Fred lost his battle with Parkinsons and other health issues at the Ardmore Veterans Center.

Funeral services and the celebration of life are scheduled for Friday morning, Oct. 1 at 11:00 Am., at St. Mary's Catholic Church. A Military internment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, south of Ardmore.

Fred was born on April 28, 1924 in Mt. Claire, Illinois, to William and Alice Brown Innis.  He was raised in Gillispie, Illinois and was the son of and executive of the coal mines in Gillespie and a homemaker. He was part of his high school orchestra and a graduate of the class of 1942 from Gillispie Community High School.  Fred left home in 1943 and was inducted into the United States Army at the age of 19. His mother gave him a harmonica before leaving for the military, he would play it while gone and would still occasionally do so.  He started his career in the Army as a Military Police Escort.  Fred was reassigned to the U.S. 49th Field Hospital (Mash unit) in 1944. He served in Germany during World War II with the 3rd Army Tank Division under General George Patton. He continued to follow his passion for music by playing the trumpet in the Army Orchestra. He served an additional year in Calla, France in the 173rd General Hospital, before being sent home. Fred was discharged from the Army on April 19, 1946, after three years of service and reaching the rank of Corporal. Upon returning home from the military, he attended the St. Louis Trade School for Tool and Dye, St. Louis, MO., to become a machinist. He continued his training at the Welsh Institute of Accounting, in Detroit, MI.; he later began his career at U.S. Rubber in Detroit, MI. As the company flourished and became Uniroyal Tire Co., Fred was sent to France, Germany and Belgium to explore the new radial ply tire and its development. He was responsible for bringing the process back to the states and implementing it at the Ardmore Plant. After a seven year courtship he married his love, Ellen Walters on April 27, 1968 in Oak Park, Michigan. They remained in St. Clair Shores, MI. until 1970 when Fred and his family relocated to Ardmore, OK. to start up and oversee the operation of the new Uniroyal Tire plant. He was the Quality Control manager for the process control department. He retired in 1986, after 41 years of service to the company. Fred and Ellen met while square-dancing and continued that for several years. He and his family enjoyed taking their boat out on Lake Michigan.  Fred enjoyed camping throughout the United States, and traveling from coast to coast. He always looked forward to playing his guitar or harmonica and singing around the campfire; he would always make up and add verses to the songs. He would play on his organ at home for hours. Fred enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors. He took great
pride in his home, and made sure he cut all ten acres so that it looked like a real lawn. Fred enjoyed watching and feeding the many species of bird she had at home. He continued to do so at the bird aviary at the Veterans Center. His cars were always in pristine condition and showed the care he put into them. He loved to tinker in the garage and repair his latest finds.  Fred enjoyed spending time with his family and their get-togethers. Fred was extremely excited when he found out he was to become a grandfather, and he was terrific at it. He was especially proud of his grand-daughter Sarah and often bragged about her. He enjoyed traveling to see his sister and brothers; they always had a fun-filled time together.  He loved animals and would always find a spot for the ones his daughters would bring home. He enjoyed sharing in projects with his son-in-law.  Fred always had time to play with his best friend and loyal companion, his Boston terrier, Lovey.  Fred was diagnosed with Parkinsons and when his symptoms began to progress, he and Ellen sold their property south of Ardmore and built a home in the city. Fred was an active Catholic after coming into the church on Nov. 3, 1980. He served as President of St. Marys Parish Council and member of the St. Marys Mens Club. Fred was involved in many clubs and organizations; he was always willing to help others. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross for 6 years and was a member of the Sky Warn of Carter County. He was also a member of Ardmore Amateur Radio Club and served as the President for the Ardmore Ham Radio Club. He was a long timevolunteer for the Red Cross and was with the R.S.V.P.  Fred was anaccomplished musician, playing the violin, piano, organ and trumpet. He continued playing the guitar, harmonica, accordion and dulcimer. Fred had a sense of humor and always loved a good joke. He was a prankster even more so when he and his brothers and brother in- law got together. 

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, his brother William (Bill) and wife Wanda Innis, brother John and wife Mae Innis, and sister Marion Dona. He never like the term in-law, he claimed them as his brothers and sisters. Those preceding him in death are Frank Warsalla, Lillian Mann and husband Robert, and Virginia Wilson. Three nephews also preceded him, Christopher Warsalla, Larry Warsalla, and David Wilson. Fred was also preceded in death by his long-time friend Harry Pearce.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen of the home, Ardmore; daughter Betty Innis of Ardmore; daughter Rachel Walters-Gayken and husband David of Edmond, Ok. son Ardeen Walters and wife Shirley of Leoma, TN. Three grandchildren, Sarah Gayken of Edmond, Ok; Arthur Walters of Leoma, TN.; Chris Walters and wife Lori, of Leoma, TN. Two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Kristen Walters of Leoma, TN. Also surviving are his sister-in-law Francine Warsalla, Port Huron, MI; and brother in-law Charles Wilson, Marysville, Mi. Fred is also survived by numerable nieces, nephews along with great and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Farrach who was always there when we needed him. For the special care and kindness shown to Fred by the nurses and aides, in making his time at the Veterans Center the best quality of life available. Thank you to the Veterans Center staff, your kindness and willingness to help with anything will always be remembered.

Pall Bearers will be Kenny Rowten, Tim Vandegriff, Earl McDonald, Bob Petz, Don Smith and Paul Tucker.

The family will be available for visitation Sept 29, Wednesday, from 5 to 8 pm. Rosary and wake is scheduled for Sept 30, Thursday at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cross Timbers Hospice in Ardmore, St. Marys Catholic Church, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (for Parkinsons research) Oklahoma City, or Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City.

Thank You For Your Service!