Fred Michael Stearns' Obituary
Fred was born on May 19, 1949 to Linda and Mel Stearns in Wichita, Kansas. Fred had one sister, now deceased. The family settled in Tulsa in the early 50’s where Fred’s dad began a business selling parts for the aero/space industry.
Fred graduated high school and then went to OU. After OU he began his service in the Army Reserves.
He met Eileen in 1973 and were friends for several years. They married in 1982 at the Rose Garden in Tulsa. Fred and Eileen moved to Arlington, Texas where Fred opened a business selling aero/space parts. Fred and Eileen were involved with St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Arlington and both sang in the choir, which they loved. They were very dear friends with the pastor there and remained friends even when they moved away.
Gourmet cooking was his passion. Many people were the happy recipients of his skills.
He and Eileen moved back to Tulsa in approximately 2000 when Fred took over his parent’s
business after his dad’s death. He ran the business for several years until his mom passed away.
When Fred and Eileen moved back to Tulsa, the Otterstrom family took them under their wing. Fred and Eileen loved being part of their extended family.
In retirement, Fred kept busy organizing all of the parts he brought to their garage. He helped deliver pet food to Tulsa residents who were clients of Meals on Wheels. He and Eileen did that for over 10 years He and a friend delivered food to Tulsa food banks for about 5 years.
Fred was Eileen’s rock and Eileen was Fred’s rock. How they cared for each other was truly inspiring. My husband and I shared a 45 year friendship with them. We traveled together, had Christmas together and shared so many wonderful memories.
The thing that really stood out about Fred was his kindness, which took many different aspects. When Eileen was diagnosed with Lupus the doctors had her on several different diets to try and get her stabilized. Fred’s love of gourmet cooking was really put to use. He would cook all of the different diets she had to be on. He was her rock when she had to go through two kidney transplants, broken bones, surgeries and her last illness.
He never complained, and was never put out. He just did what had to be done.
Fred and Eileen both were beloved neighbors and when Eileen was in the hospital last year, the neighbors kept Fred going with home cooked meals and visits. It was really a testament.
What’s your fondest memory of Fred?
What’s a lesson you learned from Fred?
Share a story where Fred's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Fred you’ll never forget.
How did Fred make you smile?
