Fredrick Raymond Michael (Freddie), 65, of Joplin, Mo., died peacefully in his sleep at his home on the morning of April 20, 2016.
Fred was born in Iola, on Aug. 8, 1950. He is the son of Norman Michael and Betty Burris Michael. He attended and graduated from Iola High School. Fred won the cross country regional track championship in 1967 and was the first person from Iola to do so. Fred served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971.
Fred returned home from Vietnam and went to work for Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, Mo., until he later purchased a semi-tractor and trailer to haul cars for Turner Auto Transport in Kansas City, Kan. He spent the rest of his career as an OTR truck driver and working in the oil field with his family. Fred married Anita Wilson on Feb. 2, 1979.
Fred is survived by his wife, Anita Michael; three daughters and a son, Kimberly Grewing and her wife Amber Grewing of Joplin, Mo., Chelsea Michael and fiancé Miles Pike of Overland Park, Kan., Norman Michael of Lenexa, and Natasha Klue-Michael and wife Odette Klue-Michael of Joplin, Mo. Fred had one grandson, Evan Michael Slife of Joplin, Mo., four sisters, Joyce Brastch, Brenda Buck, Phyllis Michael, Christy Knoblich and one brother, Rick Michael. He was predeceased in death by his mother Betty and father Norman.
Fred’s hobbies include racing, watching sports, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. Fred said that grandson Evan was the light of his life and gave him the will to carry on.
A memorial luncheon will be 11:00-14:00 Saturday at the New Community Building in Riverside Park, Iola. We invite anyone who knew Freddie to come and celebrate his life. Cards can be mailed to: Anita Michael 2802 S. Highland, Joplin, MO 64804.
