Frederick Wayne “Fred” Coward
Frederick Wayne “Fred” Coward, age 67, of Shelby, died Tuesday night, November 21, 2023 at OhioHealth Shelby Hospital with his wife and son at his side. Fred’s death follows a long and valiant battle with cancer.
Fred was born March 9, 1956 in Shelby to the late Elbert and Willene (Price) Coward. He was a veteran of the United State Navy serving from 1973-1975. Throughout his life, Fred worked at Crane Plumbing and the Mansfield Reformatory prior to spending the majority of his career as the meter reader for the City of Shelby Utilities Department. He retired in 2016 and always let it be known that retirement was “the best job he’s ever had.”
Fred absolutely loved sports, especially golf, which he thoroughly enjoyed playing. In fact, he was practically a permanent fixture at Wood Ridge Golf Course playing in numerous leagues including the Owls, Moose, and couple’s leagues. Additionally, he was a die-hard Cleveland sports fanatic and loved to watch the Browns, Indians/Guardians, and the Cavaliers. Fred had a heart of gold and especially carried a soft spot for children and animals- many of which were nearly brought home and rescued while on his route for reading meters.
Fred is survived by his wife, Lori A. (Oehrli) Coward; whom he wed on January 29, 2005; his son: Ian Wayne Coward of Shelby; step-children: Jonathan (Porsch) Randolph of TX, Crystal Ellen (Steve) Emmer of NY, Amanda Randolph of Shelby, and Carrie Randolph of Mansfield; 2 grandchildren whom he raised: Alexia M. Randolph who is currently stationed in NC while serving in the US Marines and Giavonna R. Bricker of Shelby; 12 additional grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sisters: Susan (Richard) Bowles of PA, Sharon (Brian) James of Shelby, and Sally (Tom) King of PA; and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by a brother, Elbert “Butch” Coward, Jr.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, November 26, 2023 from 1-3 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 10:30 am. Rev. Steven L. Schag will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby with military honors conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist with burial expenses.
Condolences may be left on Fred’s obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
To view Fred’s Tribute Video, click the provided link: Frederick Wayne “Fred” Coward Tribute Video
Ian, so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you.
Your family has my deepest condolences.
I knew Fred from back in the day when we were younger. He was a great guy and always fun to be around. May he rest in peace now. RIH Fred
Ian,
So sorry to hear about your loss.
At this time of year just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Lori and Ian, you have our deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband and Dad. I had known Fred since Jr. High School and we got reacquainted when we worked at U-BRAND in the depot together. As you both surely know, he was a jokester and would always keep you laughing. We had a lot of fun times at Woody Ridge when we golfed together in the Couples League and Tink in the Men’s leagues and numerous golf scrambles. You both & the rest of the family will be in our hearts and prayers.
I’m sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was always older Fred and I was younger Fred. It’s been over 35 years since I’ve seen him before I moved to Kentucky. We road together quite often. Good man. My condolences.
Rest easy Fred, You were loved by all even me. Sucks you left this world so early we planned for many more years. Ian, you carry the torch now, carry it high and proud and remember everything he taught you. Remember every story because that’s the legacy he built to pass down. I really hope he taught you his approach secrets too because he was amazing at getting us on the green. You’ll always be my brother from another mother so stay close to the family
Lori & Family, my sincere condolences. You will be in my thoughts & prayers. Love, Sandy
Dear Lori & Family, my sincere condolences in the passing of Fred. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Sandy
Lori and family, I am so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. We met you guys through golf. And my did we all have fun playing golf together. I bet Fred and Tim are up in heaven right now telling jokes and playing golf.
Lori and Ian, so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. We have so many good memories of Fred playing golf at Woody. Our deepest sympathy to you and your families.
Lori and Family
We are so so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have missed you both these last few years, but we have some memories that we cherish. ♥
Lori and family we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Alexia and Gigi, Bob and I love you girls very much. Hugs and prayers and we are here for you if you need to talk. Love Grandpa and Grandma.
Ian and family – We have been thinking of you all during this very difficult time. Fred fought a mighty battle and he is now at peace. We are certain he is playing golf and watching over all of you. May God be with you, now and in the future. Hugs and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. We were neighbors on Marvin Avenue in the early days. All the Cowards were so much fun.
I remember Fred from my much younger days. Fred was laid back and pleasant, a great guy. Rest in peace now, Fred. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.