Frederick Dwight “Fred” Fender, age 93, of Heltonville, Indiana passed away peacefully on Monday, March 11, 2024.

Born on March 3, 1931, Fred was the son of the late Ellsworth and Ila (Cracraft) Fender.

Fred attended Smithville High School, where he graduated. Immediately after he graduated high school, he entered into the Army to serve his country and married Phyllis Fender in 1976, who quickly became his avid horseback riding and travel partner. He held a position at RCA from 1954 through 1991. Fred was a true cowboy, and among many other outdoor activities, found great joy in fishing, camping and mushroom hunting. He loved watching westerns on repeat, and was an avid IU Basketball fan. Fred was also a member of the Burgoon Baptist Church where he found great fellowship and grew his faith. Above all, Fred loved life and his family more than anything.

Fred is survived by his wife of 48 wonderful years, Phyllis Fender; daughters, Theresa Hargis (Daniel) and Vicky Mullins (Art); grandchildren, Carrie Sowder (Mark Mitchell), Josh Washel, Jeremy New (Jessica), Zachary New (Jessica) Marshall Mullins, John Mullins, Arthur Mullins III, Eli Hargis, and Bruce Dillman; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Tiffany Sowder, Gracie New, Zane New, Norah New, Gavin New, Hudson New, Aurora New, Ian New, Logan Honeycutt, Sophia Mullins, Mason Mullins, and Ethan Mullins; and several nieces and nephews.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Rebecca Washel; brothers, Ted Fender and James Fender; and sisters, Ann Robinson and Janet Sue Prince.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. Third St. Bloomington. A service honoring Fred’s life and legacy will take place on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at The Funeral Chapel with Rev. Harold Godsey officiating. Burial will follow in Clear Creek Cemetery.