Fred Horrell

Fred J. Horrell, 80, of Cape Girardeau passed away Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, at Life Care Center.

He was born March 23, 1938, in Jackson to Fred J. and Bertha Halter Horrell.

He and Patricia Ann Gates were married Jan. 19, 1958, at Cairo, Illinois. She preceded him in death June 30, 2011.

Fred graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1956, where he excelled in and enjoyed varsity football. He was a supporter of Central's sports programs in later years through his business.

After graduation, his new-found musical talent took him on the road as lead singer in bands such as Mirt Mirly and the Rhythm Steppers and bass player with Bill Black's Combo."He led his own band, Fred Horrell and the Flames, for a number of years.

As a hard working young man, Fred worked various jobs along the way while pursuing his music career, which included a position at ABC Lumber that would lead him to another career as co-founder, with Jim Snider, of Cape Carpet & Supply Co. That company brought the first mill-direct flooring store to Cape Girardeau in 1970. Fred continued working in his business into its 48th year.

Fred served his community in various ways such as Cub master while his sons were in Scouts, sponsored youth and adult league and high school sports, membership in the Cape Girardeau Jaycees, and past president of the Kiwanis Club in Cape Girardeau. He faithfully organized the popular Kiwanis '50s and '60s dance for approximately 20 years, bringing in his old friend, songwriter and recording artist Bruce "Hey Baby" Channel, to headline the event for his last 15 years of involvement.

Fred continued to pursue his love of music throughout the '70s and '80s, traveling to Nashville, Tennessee, to make more records while helping other musicians and artists pursue their musical interests as well. Fred kept performing at various events through the '90s and 2000s with his last regular "gig" of serving in the Praise Band at First General Baptist Church as bass player. Recently, he and Bill Anderson (Cousin Carl from C106 Radio) and the Kiwanis Club of Cape Girardeau came together to initiate a scholarship program to provide guitars for underprivileged youths ages 9 to 16 who have a strong desire and talent to learn to play and enjoy their own music.

Survivors include a daughter, Kimberly Keele-Jasinski (James) of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Fred (Sheri) Horrell III of Lake Egypt/Marion, Illinois, and Scott (Karen) Horrell of Cape Girardeau; devoted companion, Pauline Niswonger of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Aurelia Jones and Patricia Raines; eight grandchildren, Dustin Keele, Travis (Loren) Keele, Jordan (Jessica) Keele, Cameron (Sarah) Horrell, Kristin Horrell, Lainey Horrell, Andrea (Tim) Buerck and Zachary Horrell; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia Ann Horrell; and a brother, Ralph Horrell.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cape Bible Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Jim Rudolph officiating. Entombment will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to The Fred Horrell and Cousin Carl Guitars for Talented Kids Program, administered through the Cape Girardeau Kiwanis Club. Please contact James Banken, (573) 450-4530 for more information.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.