Fred Loyal Carrick

Fred Loyal Carrick, of Potosi, MO and formerly of Cherryville, MO, was born on Friday, August 22, 1930, in Seymour, MO, to Ivel Carrick and Ada Carrick, nee Dunnigan.  He passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Georgian Gardens Care Center in Potosi, MO, at the age of 95 years, 5 months and 29 days.

On January 4, 1952, Fred proudly enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country with honor and dedication, earning the National Defense Service Medal — a symbol of his commitment to something greater than himself. Even after his active duty ended, his service did not. For eight years in the Army Reserve, he worked as a mechanic, always ready to lend his hands and his heart wherever he was needed.

On January 3, 1955, Fred married the love of his life, Bertha Fay Chandler. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, laughter, and love. They raised six children who were the pride and joy of his life. Above all else, Fred was a family man. His children and grandchildren were his greatest treasures, and he loved them deeply and equally, always offering encouragement — and plenty of what he called “healthy” advice.

Fred was a man of remarkable ability. There wasn’t a job too big or too small for him. If something was broken, he could fix it. If something needed building, he could build it. From working at Combustion Engineering in St. Louis, to logging with team horses for sawmills like Merritts, Wayne Richards, Arneson, and Martins, Fred gave his all. When Arneson Timber moved to Steelville, he carefully took apart the entire sawmill and rebuilt it at its new home — a true testament to his determination and craftsmanship.

He worked as a maintenance man, for The Rafting Company, and as a farm worker for Nina McPherson and others. He restored Amish buggies and wagons, worked as a blacksmith and welder, and carried on trades that require patience, grit, and pride.

Fred was an avid horseman with a deep love for anything involving horses — especially his Appaloosas. He raised and trained them with skill and care, and he loved rodeos, trail rides, and the camaraderie that came with them. As a lifetime member of the Ozark Trail Blazers, Seymour Saddle Club, and VFW Post 6660, he built friendships that lasted a lifetime.

He also cherished life’s simple pleasures: road racing when he could “put his foot to the pedal,” and road trips with dear friends Jerry Setzer, Sonny Eaton, and Andrew Stubbs. He could often be found at the round table at Spare Rib, sharing coffee and conversation. At the Cherryville Store, he earned the nickname “Windy” — a nod to his gift for storytelling and his legendary tall tales. With his thermos in hand and a bottle of “Poor Man’s Beer” — Mountain Dew — nearby, Fred brought laughter wherever he went.

Fred’s life was one of service — to his country, to his community, to his friends, and most of all, to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, humor, and love. Though his hands may be at rest, the things he built, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave will endure for generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivel and Ada Carrick; wife, Bertha Carrick; parents-in-law, Autta and Hettie Chandler; infant son, Ival Carrick; siblings, Mildred “Alvina” (Earl) Miller, Willard (Nora) Carrick, Maxine (George) Cates and infant Wilbur Carrick; son-in-law, James Pankey; brothers-in-law, Claude Chandler, Norman Chandler, Don (Faye) Chandler, and Montie (Etta) Chandler; sisters-in-law, Betty (Don) Coplin, Lottie (Elmer) Pyatt, Rosie (Lawrence) Stricklin, Geraldine (Gene) Dicus, and Donna (Fred) Wilhite.

Fred is survived by his loving children, Gladys Pankey of Rolla, MO, Roy Carrick (Jeanette Massey) of Cherryville, MO, Nancy Carrick of Steelville, MO, Tresa Maize of Lesterville, MO and James Carrick (Amanda Black) of Cherryville, MO; sisters, Margaret Philpot of Forsyth, MO and Darlene Berns of Springfield, MO; special friends, Jim Cottrell, Ken Halbert, Jerry Setzer, Paul Hutson and Paul Wilkerson; very special friends, Geneva Young, Shannon Cottrell, Jim and Joyce Cottrell; many grandchildren; many many great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation is from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026, at McSpadden Funeral Home in Lesterville, MO.  Graveside Service will follow at 2:00 PM at Keysville Cemetery in Steelville, MO, with full military honors.

Arrangements under the direction of McSpadden Funeral Home in Lesterville, MO.

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