Obituary of Fredrick Lyle Phelps

EVANS MILLS- Fredrick L. Phelps, 80, of Evans Mills, NY formerly of Felts Mills, NY passed away Sunday October 8, 2017 surrounded by his children at home under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County.  

He was born on March 5, 1937, a son of the late Melvin & Dora Wagoner Phelps.   Fred served in the United States Army Reserves with an honorable discharge in 1959.   Before purchasing his farm (Alfalfa Acres) located in Champion in 1962, Fred drove school bus and milk truck.  He was a dairy farmer most of his life retiring in 1982.  

He then drove tractor trailer for several companies before driving bus and seasonal snow removal for Department of Defense on Fort Drum.  He went on to move equipment across the country for Bennett Motors. During his spare time he was caretaker of Evergreen Cemetery located down the road from his farm Alfalfa Acres.  Fred formally retired 4 years ago as a grounds superintendent with Jefferson Agricultural Society (Jefferson County Fair) after suffering a stroke. 

He married Millie Jesmore on July 21, 1973.  A previous marriage to Mary Prievo (Mono) ended in a divorce.

Fred is survived by wife, Millie, longtime friend and caregiver, Linda Persha, his children, Debbie & Stan Atkins, Carthage, Claude & Valerie Phelps, Felts Mills, Robin Joyce of San Antonio, TX, Angie & Mike Kerry of Evans Mills, Fred & Sheri Phelps of Felts Mills, Melvin & Jennifer Phelps of Copenhagen and Alfreda Augustus & Matt Stewart of Ellisburg, NY, a brother Francis & Beverly Phelps of Rutland.  He is also survived by 23- grandchildren, 14 -great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and many “adopted” children. 

He is predeceased by his parents, a daughter, Julie Ann, a sister Gertrude Davis, and brothers Jack Phelps, Claude Phelps, Robert Phelps and Ronald Odell. 

Fred served as a Councilman for the Town of Rutland for a number of years.   He was a member of the Thousand Islands Blue Grass Society, a director for Jefferson Bulk Milk, a 50 year member of Carthage/Great Bend and South Rutland Valley Grange, Jefferson County Pomona Grange, NYS and National Granges.  Fred also served as NYS Deputy Master for the Grange as well.  Fred was an honorary director with the Jefferson County Agricultural Society where he was grounds superintendent for the Jefferson County Fair for several years. He was a previous active member of the Black River Ambulance Squad. 

Calling hours will be Wednesday, October 11, 2017 from 3pm – 7pm at the Lundy Funeral Home; located at 500 State Street, Carthage, NY. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel at 11:00am on Thursday October 12, 2017 at the Lundy Funeral Home as well with The Rev. Jane Wagner officiating.   Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery at the convenience of the family. 

Donation can be made in Fred’s name to SLVBA (St. Lawrence Valley Bluegrass Association) PO Box 132 Depauville, NY  13632 or Jefferson County Hospice. Online condolences in his memory can be made at www.lundyfuneralhome.com

 

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