ENID, Okla. — Fredrick Charles Veatch was born Nov. 28, 1939, at the Cherokee Hospital in Alfalfa County, Okla., to Howard and Mildred Veatch and departed this life on Sunday, March 17, 2013.

He grew up on the family farm near Burlington, Okla., where he was educated, being in sports and the Future Farmers of America. As a sophomore at Burlington High School, he decided to follow a career in chemistry and pursued that goal at Northwestern State for a B.S. in chemistry and math in 1962, and an M.S. in analytical chemistry from Oklahoma State in 1965.

His professional career started with Conoco R&D in Ponca City, Okla., and ended 33 years later with retirement in 1994. He had a long and fruitful career, with many awards and patents in chemistry and engineering.

During a long and happy retirement, he and Sandra traveled extensively to Europe, Great Britain, Russia, the Holy Land, the Middle East, Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, as well as the rest of the good old USA. He particularly enjoyed several cruises on the rivers of Europe.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandra Ann Veatch; five children, Dana Ann Veatch, Matthew A. Longoria, Mary Alice Morency, Mark A. Longoria, Ann Michele Huston; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one sister and brother-in-law, Mary Etta and Dean Campbell; their children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant sister, and one infant brother.

He will be buried in Capron Cemetery in Woods County, next to his parents.

In lieu of flowers, Fred asks that contributions be made in his name to an animal shelter near you.

Graveside service for Fred will be 7 p.m., at sunset today, March 19, 2013, in Capron Cemetery, with Pastor Richard Craven officiating. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home Inc. of Cherokee. There will be no public viewing.

Online remembrances may be shared at www.lanman memorials.com.

(Submitted by family)