Fred Call

Fred Call passed quietly into the Lord’s hands October 7, 2017, surrounded by his devoted wife of 63 years, Judy, and their 3 children Rick Call (Maureen), Denise Henderson (Bob), and Kathy Taylor (Rocky). He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Edith Call, and his siblings Dolores Horner and William Call. He is survived by his oldest sister Mary Grimm. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves behind 5 grandchildren, BJ Kramer and Asa Henderson, Matt and Pete Taylor, and Kelly Flowers. He also leaves 3 great grandchildren, Brandon and Tyler Kramer and Emerson Flowers, all of whom he adored.

Fred was a 1946 graduate of Wintersville High School, where he was a member of the school’s first undefeated football team. He joined the family business, Archer Marble & Granite Works with his father and brother, which until his retirement was the longest continually operating business in Steubenville. He was a tireless and hard worker, especially during the spring rush leading up to Memorial Day. He worked from dawn til dusk, unloading trains, carving monuments, and manually hauling granite memorials to the cemetery seven days a week, to assure that his customers were memorialized before the holiday. He was a member of the National Guard, his favorite memory being shuttling doctors and nurses to the hospitals during the great blizzard of 1950 after putting dual wheels on his trucks. A devoted family man, he worked multiple jobs during the early years to assure that his family’s needs were met, bus driving for Wintersville schools, pumping gas at a local station and working for a local butcher. A strong willed and determined man, he fell down a flight of steps at the age of 60, breaking six ribs, both arms, and puncturing a lung. He was determined to go to work, claiming that he had only “stoved his body” (he reluctantly spent a week in ICU for that one).

As his children aged, there were annual vacations to the family cottage in Canada,  and picnics with the Sullivan family at Austin Lake and Sural family at St. John Vianney seminary in Bloomingdale.  Close family and strong religious ties instilled in him by his parents were passed along to his children as well.

After retirement, his major hobby was attending the sporting events of his grandchildren. Judy and he travelled the state on weekends to watch them play. He also travelled the country with Judy on multiple bus tours and vacations. He enjoyed trips to Florida to visit his son and trips to Cleveland and Cadiz to visit his daughters.

Alzheimer’s slowly chipped away at his memory in later years. As his memories faded, he became more dependent on his family for support. After years of being the family foundation, he became more dependent upon Judy as “his rock”. He was quick to pucker up and ask for a kiss to show his affection for her efforts.  His wry sense of humor remained to the very end. He enjoyed teasing his son (who may have gained a few pounds along the way) by poking him in his stomach (his money belt), and asking why he didn’t put that in the bank. He never lost his urge to point out pretty women, much to Judy’s chagrin. His wife and children gently carried him to the finish line and provided a compassionate and soft landing for him as his life ebbed. He spent his last days in the compassionate care of Trinity West’s 2nd floor north staff and Valley Hospice, surrounded by those he loved.

Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville,

on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. followed by funeral liturgy with mass at 11:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church with Rev. Michael Gossett officiating. Burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

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