Frederick R. VanFleet

Fred VanFleet, 89, of Alexis, IL died at 7:55 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the Marigold Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Galesburg.

He was born on December 7, 1927 in Galesburg, IL, the son of Frederick R. and Maybelle (Noonan) VanFleet. Fred was raised and educated in Alexis and graduated from Alexis High School in 1945. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II.

Fred was married Beverly Bernadine Otto, he later married Wanda J. Burns McCaw in Aledo, IL in 1979, she survives.

Fred worked as a farmer his entire life up until 2 weeks ago. He worked for a time at Hunter Farms. Fred loved to work on the farm. He was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Alexis. Fred served as a Mercer County Democratic Precinct Committeeman, and later as County Chairman for 12 years.

Surviving Fred is his wife Wanda VanFleet of Alexis, IL, four children; Daniel William VanFleet of Arkansas, James Franklin VanFleet of Alexis, IL, Tony Raymond Van Fleet of Alexis, IL, and Cynthia Louise (Craig) Griffin of Florida. Also surviving are five grandchildren; Shane VanFleet, Heather Winegard, Cody VanFleet, Jared VanFleet, Tara VanFleet, seven great grandchildren, three sisters; Beverly Johnson of Alexis, IL, Barbara Olin of Alexis, IL, Judy (Jim) Nelson of Wisconsin, sister-in-law Georgia VanFleet of Alexis, IL, and three step children; Roger McCaw of Aledo, IL, Rick McCaw of Aledo, IL, and Lori Kennedy of Missouri.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter, Haley Weatherly, one brother, Donald VanFleet, and one step daughter, Pam Gainey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Alexis, IL. Interment with Military Honors will be in Alexis Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, March 13, 2017 at the Alexis Fieldhouse, Alexis, IL. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com