of Lakeview, AR
May 12, 1944 - January 17, 2025
John Frederick ''Fred'' Waddell passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025 at Hospice House in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 80. He was born May 12, 1944 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of John Samuel and Dorothy Norene Waddell.
He married the love of his life, Karen Hopper on May 30, 1984.
Fred served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Wasp and in the Naval Reserves. He later enjoyed a career as a human resources director at multiple manufacturing locations. He completed his business career as a recruiter.
His passions included his lifelong love of aviation that began while serving in the military and continued later as a private pilot. He enjoyed gardening, including growing test roses for a national company, beekeeping and trap shooting and training bird dogs in his younger years. He held a life membership in The Amateur Trapshooting Association of America. In his retirement, he became a craftsman knife maker.
He previously served as a Baxter County Constable and was a Methodist.
Fred was predeceased by his cherished parents; one brother, Albert Waddell and one nephew, William ''Bill'' Waddell.
Fred's legacy continues through his loving family. In addition to his wife, Karen, he is survived by his daughter, Leslie Stollenwerk of Springfield, Illinois; one son, Peter Waddell of Mountain Home, Arkansas; two sisters, Jean Waddell of Ellijay, Georgia and Susan (Paul) Piscator of Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania; three grandchildren, Jacob Nussbaum, Autumn (Bill) Corley and Maya Stollenwerk; one great-grandson, Bennett Corley; nephews, Robert Waddell and Tom Waddell and nieces, Susanne Waddell and Sandra Rivera.
Fred's compassion and easy spirit were felt by all who entered his life.
A visitation will be held in his honor on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. in the Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Mountain Home. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00p.m.. with Rev. Randy Ludwig officiating. Interment will follow in Kentucky.
As we remember Fred, we celebrate a life well-lived. His memory will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.
A special thank you to the caring staff of Hospice House. Memorials may be made to Hospice House c/o Hospice of the Ozarks, 701 Burnett Drive, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653.
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24 Condolence(s)
Brett Cooper
Friday, January 31, 2025
Fred exuded life whenever I was blessed to be around him. He had a ready smile and a quick wit, and he just had a way of lifting your spirits when he was around. Karen, our prayers are with you and your family. May God give you comfort, as well as wonderful memories of Fred.
Julie Moore
Friday, January 31, 2025
I will miss my friend . I loved just listening to all the stories he told me about his life & what life brought him good & bad. Truly a good man & i will miss seeing him & the great conversations . Love always Waddell & Karen
Philip Launius
Friday, January 31, 2025
Karen: Sorry to hear the news. I knew from the text that it was coming. I had a number of very enjoyable conversations with him in the back parking lot at KTLO while he was waiting on you. He had a lot of great stories. Miss you in the newsroom.
Jim Bodenhamer
Friday, January 31, 2025
Always enjoyed my encounter's with Fred. An infectious smile and so pleasant. The world could use more Fred Waddell's. He was a renaissance man. Condolences to Karen and family.
kimberly peters, aprn
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Fred was always kind to me. Every time I saw him he had a smile and a big hug. I have two boys in the Army and he would always make a special effort to walk across the clinic to seek me out and ask me how those boys were doing. I appreciated his caring and compassion. He will be missed.
terry straus
Monday, January 27, 2025
Fred was a good man and a good friend. He will be missed.
David & Carol Witherington
Monday, January 27, 2025
We know that Fred is now in God's arms. We were blessed to have gotten to know Fred and Karen. Our prayers are for his family, and especially Karen who
was so loved by the gentle soul we all knew as Fred. Peace be with you.
Bobbie & Dave Jordan
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Fred was an amazing man that always had a great story. He was very influential to me growing up and as an adult. I know my mom was there to greet him with patches the cat. Thank you Fred, for being the best neighbor ever. Karen, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and healing prayers.
Bess L George
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Pete, I’m so sorry for the loss of you’re Father. You were a wonderful son, full of caring and love toward you’re Father. Remember you’re Heavenly Father loves you and holds you in his arms through these grieving times.
Bess L George
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Pete, I’m so sorry for the loss of you’re Father. You were a wonderful son, full of caring and love toward you’re Father. Remember you’re Heavenly Father loves you and holds you in his arms through these grieving times.
Bess L George
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Pete, I’m so sorry for the loss of you’re Father. You were a wonderful son, full of caring and love toward you’re Father. Remember you’re Heavenly Father loves you and holds you in his arms through these grieving times.
Bess L George
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Pete, I’m so sorry for the loss of you’re Father. You were a wonderful son, full of caring and love toward you’re Father. Remember you’re Heavenly Father loves you and holds you in his arms through these grieving times.
Scott leonard
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Soo sorry for your loss our prayers are with you
Phyllis Joy Leonard
Thursday, January 23, 2025
I am sending prayers for comfort at this difficult time Hugs.
Terry Green
Thursday, January 23, 2025
I met Waddell many years ago when Karen served in the state legislature with my brother in law, Butch Wilkins. He was a down to earth fellow, easy to like. He told me a story of how he got rid of armadillos. He trapped them then shot them with a 357 caliber pistol. That got rid of them permanently. I’ve never forgotten that story. Go back to Kentucky Waddell and rest in peace. I’m so sorry Karen
Jerry and Joan Theobald
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Jerry and Fred were good friends as teenagers and college. So sorry to read. You have our love and prayers. May God wrap you in His Loving Arms and give you peace.
Bess L George
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Pete, I’m so sorry for the loss of you’re Father. You were a wonderful son, full of caring and love toward you’re Father. Remember you’re Heavenly Father loves you and holds you in his arms through these grieving times.
Jack Brown
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
So sorry to hear Fred‘s passing
Jack and Donna Brown
Bess L George
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Pete, I’m so sorry for the loss of you’re Father. You were a wonderful son, full of caring and love toward you’re Father. Remember you’re Heavenly Father loves you and holds you in his arms through these grieving times.
Sonny & Kim Garrett
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Karen we are sorry to hear about Fred.
Prayers for you and your family.
Jean Waddell
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
A wonderful brother who is will always miss!
Shana Jones
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Our hearts are broken for you. Sending prayers of peace and comfort and a million hugs.
Cindy
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Karen - So sorry to hear of your great loss. May God keep you in his ever-loving hands.
Cindy
James (Jim) Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2025
Karen, sorry to hear
Jim