Frederick H. “Fred” Roth, age 78, of Marion, died Sunday evening, January 5, 2014, at the Marion General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Fred was born in Union County, Ohio on March 24, 1935, the son of the late John Phillip and Arilla Ellen (Burggraf) Roth. He graduated from Green Camp High School in the Class of 1953. He furthered his education by receiving his Diesel Mechanic Certification.
On November 26, 1955, Fred married Jane Marlene Keener at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Marion. They shared over 58 wonderful years of marriage, raising five children along the way.
Fred was a self employed diesel mechanic and for 20 years ran his own garage, Fred H. Roth & Sons Garage. He was also an owner/operator semi truck driver and later in life drove for Bohl Equipment Company in Marion, from where he retired.
He was a long time member of the Marion Moose Lodge #889, and the Mid-Ohio Steam and Gas Association, where he shared his love of antique tractors. He enjoyed restoring his collection and spending the summer with family and friends at the local tractor shows. For many years he also bowled in the Emmanuel Lutheran Men’s Church Bowling League and shared Sunday’s with his wife bowling in a mixed league.
Fred had a special place in his heart for country music. He loved older artists such as Hank Williams Sr. and George Jones. When he owned his garage he got to work on the tour bus of another country artist he admired, Ferlin Husky. He was even a bit of a “groupie” for his son Rick’s country rock band, Freestyle, attending as many of their shows as possible.
He enjoyed watching Hee Haw and anything that John Wayne was in. He also spent much of his free time finishing jigsaw puzzles.
Most important to Fred was his family. He cherished spending time with them. He loved all five of his children dearly, and often referred to them as “the best kids in the world” and “I am proud of every one of them.” He loved his wife and seldom missed a day of going to Heartland to visit her. He had a special place in his heart for his grandkids, and he loved each one dearly.
Fred is survived by his wife, Jane, of Marion; five children: Fred (Brenda) Roth of Marion, Pamela (Dwight) Wells of Prospect, Jamey (Beth Harris) Roth of Caledonia, Rick (Julie) Roth of Cardington, Kristy (Pat) Lee of Marion; 14 grandchildren; a sister, Marge Jones of Marion; and a very special longtime friend, Carl Schrote, of Richwood.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Theron Jacob Roth; a sister, Jeanne Martin; and two brothers, Merle and Larry Roth.
The Roth family will greet family and friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating his life will be held there on Friday, January 10, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Brett Cornelius officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Richwood Independent Fair, P.O. Box 71, Richwood, OH 43344 (please place “Antique Display” in memo line).
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Fred’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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