Fred Gordon Whitchurch was born  February 6, 1928, in Savannah, MO, to Fred Gordon Whitchurch Sr. and Beryl Elizabeth (Clouse) Whitchurch Blakeslee and passed at his home at the age of 93 years, 11 months and 19 days.

After his father passed when Fred was just an infant his mother married Benjamin Harrison Blakeslee who loved and raised him as his own.  Fred grew up in Redings Mill, MO.  He always loved the water and in his youth was a lifeguard at the Redings Mill pool at the height of its popularity.  Fred graduated from Joplin High School early.  On April 1, 1946, Fred entered the Navy to serve in WWII until he was honorably discharged on February 5, 1948.  He served on ATF114 Naval Ship USS Tawakoni.  After the service, he attended Franklin Technical School for automotive on the G.I. bill.  On December 23, 1960, Fred married the love of his life, Virginia Mae Livingston.  He started his business, Galena Motor Company, in Galena, KS in 1965 where he serviced cars until 1993.  Fred loved to fish, hunt, read, and always looked forward to helping his son-in-law on the farm during wheat harvest.  He attended Empire Mission Church until 2012 when they moved to Corn, OK and attended Colony Baptist Church. Fred was a member of the American Legion.

Fred is survived by his wife of 61 years, Virginia Whitchurch of their home in Corn, OK; one son, Mark Whitchurch of Galena, KS; one daughter, Julie Shipp and husband, Ken of Colony, OK; three grandchildren, Kiersten Klassen and husband, Frank; Kaylee Shipp and Kyle Shipp; and two great-grandchildren, Kase and Kinley Klassen all of Colony, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father.