Fred L. Billiter Sr.

Fred L. Billiter Sr., 97, of Strasburg died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, October 27, 2017 at home surrounded by his family.

Fred Sr. was born February 25, 1920 in Paden City, WV to the late Sherman and Emma (Stewart) Billiter. He was the second son of 14 children. Fred Sr. later married his wife, Florence “Dolly” Kautz with whom he celebrated 64 years of marriage, prior to her death in 2009.

Fred Sr. was a hard worker throughout his life. He began working at a young age to help provide for his family. He then worked at Paden City Pottery, where he met his wife. They moved to Ohio where Fred Sr. began working at Timken repairing box cars for 32 years. He had also volunteered at CC Camp to help single unemployed men as part of a work relief program. After his retirement, Fred Sr. continued to work by starting his own tree service. Throughout his employment, he also had a farm that he worked at every day and night caring for several animals over the years.

Fred Sr. will be sadly missed by his children; Nancy O’Brien of TX, Russell Billiter of WV, Fred Billiter Jr. of Caldwell, George Billiter Sr. of Dover, Roger (Lynn) Billiter of Strasburg, Rita “Skeeter” (Mark) Rothacher of Strasburg, and Elda Hadorn of New Philadelphia; his 31 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 22 great-great grandchildren; his siblings, O’Dell Billiter of NV, Lee Billiter of Kent, Jane (George) Fagart of PA, and Pauline, Ervin, Daniel (Joan) Billiter all of WV; his newest caregiver, Patrick Harrington; as well as his very special friend 90 years younger, Jaylynn Schopfer.

Fred Sr. took pride in his family, farm animals, his garden, his flowers; especially his roses, watching squirrels, harassing his cat, Tobby, playing cards, and goofing around with his grandchildren, and he enjoyed spending time with all the new babies born in the family.

Fred Sr, is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Florence “Dolly,” three brothers, four sisters, his son, Ralph Billiter, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, along with his dog, Beaver.

As a tribute to Fred Sr., many of his grandchildren will be wearing white t-shirts, jean overalls, and flannel shirts, which was his favorite outfit, to show how much their grandpa meant to them.

A celebration of Fred Sr.’s life will take place at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 11:30am with Pastor Andy McClung officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Union Cemetery in Strasburg. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday, November 3, 2017 from 4-7pm. Those unable to attend, or who would like to sign an online guestbook for Fred Sr. may do so by visiting the obituary link on the funeral home’s website.