Fred William Emerick, 85, of Fairhope, passed away Sunday, December 2, 2012, at his residence.

Born May 3, 1927, in Fairhope; he was the youngest and last surviving child of the late George Valentine and Maretta Pearl (Clites) Emerick.

Fred attended the one-room school in Fairhope.

In 1945 at the age of 17, he joined the US Navy serving in WWII.

Upon being discharged, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sara F. Cummins.

She preceded him in death in 2005 after 57 years of marriage.

Fred worked for several years at the Celanese before moving to Baltimore, MD.

He was employed by Bethlehem Steel for 33 years until his retirement in 1984.

After retirement, Fred and Sara returned to Fairhope, and enjoyed spending winter at their home in Brandon Florida.

He enjoyed hunting, riding his lawn mower, crossword puzzles and spending time with family and friends.

Fred was a faithful member of Fairhope Community Church, where he served as a greeter and bell ringer.

He is survived by his children, Cheryl E. Norris and husband, Richard, Skyesville, MD, Dawn C. Emerick and husband, Jose Carrio, York, PA; Keith M. Chipps of Bonaire, GA, Carla A. LeCain and husband, David, Bel Air, MD, and Susan C. Pfeil and husband, Michael, Abingdon, MD; nine grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received at the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home Inc., 169 Clarence Street, Hyndman, on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

A funeral service will be conducted at the Fairhope Community Church on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with the Pastor James Swauger officiating.

Friends will be received at the church for one hour immediately prior to the service.

Burial will follow at Comps Cemetery, Hyndman, PA, with military honors by the Ft. Bedford Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Fairhope Community Church, Fairhope, PA 15538.