Fred Michael Echelbarger

Fred Michael Echelbarger, 95, of South Haven, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the Bronson Hospital in South Haven. He was born March 18, 1923 to Charles and Flora (Waters) Echelbarger in Shelby, Michigan. He honorably served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War Two. He later worked for Kroger Grocery for 16 years and Buy Low for an additional 16 years before his retirement in 1982. He married Erma Bucher on December 31, 1946. They shared 50 years in marriage before her passing in 1996. He later remarried to Barbara Goodrich in 2002. He was a member of the American Legion and First United Methodist Church in South Haven. Fred was a great story teller and enjoyed sharing about his younger years in the Upper Peninsula. He loved music and liked to sing, dance, and take trips. He also enjoyed spending time outside and hunting. He will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death along with his parents and first wife by two sons – Philip and Michael Echelbarger and brother – Theron Echelbarger.

Fred is survived by his wife – Barbara Echelbarger of South Haven, daughter – Suzanne (Phillip) Brown of Comstock Park, Michigan, step-daughters – Christina Rhoades of South Haven, and Alison (Criag) VanOordt of Grand Haven, grandchildren – Nichole (Roger) Leech, Abby (Ryan) Green, and Travis Brown, eight great grandchildren, five step grandchildren, three step great grandchildren, and good friend – Eula Foster.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, December 21, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in South Haven. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM with Pastor Ron VanLente officiating at the church. Fred will be laid to rest next to his first wife, Erma, at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven.