Fredee “Fred” Charles Plumer
Fred was born in Claremore, Oklahoma on March 3, 1948, to parents George and Ruth Plumer whom he shared with his sister Carole. Growing up in neighboring Collinsville, Fred had a happy small-town childhood, always active and surrounded by family. When he wasn’t playing sports, Fred always finding odd jobs to make money, that included selling snake oil at carnivals, hauling hay, building fence and caddying. A natural born salesman, in his later years he found success selling everything from beauty products, to nursing home and hospital equipment, to entire businesses.
In February of 1959, the Plumers moved to Littleton, Colorado where through his love of sports and adventure he became close friends with Mike Black, who went from best friend to brother-in-law, when Fred married one of Mike’s younger sisters (more to come). Fred graduated from Littleton High School in 1964, before continuing his academic endeavors at Oklahoma State University where Fred played one year of football for the Cowboys as well as wrestled on the club team. He graduated with a degree in math, but his fondest memories were from the lifelong friendships he made through his fraternity.
After graduation, Fred moved back to Colorado, eventually marrying his best friend’s sister, Dorothy (see above), on September 1, 1973. Dorothy and Fred had two children, Jinny and Jake. In 1981, Fred and Dorothy’s shared dream of living in the country, was realized when they moved to their humble 40-acre farmstead in Elizabeth Colorado. Fred lived the remainder of his life here, with the exception of a few years when the family would follow Fred’s job to Missouri. Although short-lived Fred cherished both the people he met and the time he spent there
Fred was an enthusiastic and supportive father, who took great pride in exposing his children to the varieties of life, from interesting people to different cultures to new activities. He and Dorothy spent as much time as they could with their children raising them to see the world as opportunity. Fred coached many of the kids sport teams, including Jake’s youth football team for several years. Fred loved winning but what he really loved were all the kids and watching them grow as players and humans. In his later years in life, Fred often reflected on how lucky he was to share these moments with not only his own children but the many others he coached. Fred eventually became an incredible Papa to his grandchildren, Natalie and Gabriel. Always invested in their lives whether near or far, he was quick to make them laugh, teach them, and mentor them. He never let their cakes go without frosting and ensured they got anything they could have ever wanted. Papa took his job as head bragger very seriously and was quick to tell anyone who would listen all of their accomplishments.
During this time Fred was also forging on with his business prowess, he commanded a sales force for hospital and nursing home equipment sold all across the US. Partnering with furniture manufacturers and design companies to expand their business, from which, he and Dorothy created a variety of spin off businesses. As Fred moved on from the medical field, he began a career in real estate and business brokering. He would continue this until he retired.
Fred always quietly helped others; he saw the best in people and did all he could to raise those up around him. From donating money and time, to taking in friends and family in their hour of need, he was generous, reliable and strong. While inarguably blessed with the ‘gift of gab’, he was an even better listener. If you knew him, he probably knew you better. He knew your family, your job, your hometown, favorite pastime, and what you liked drink. Always quick with an irreverent question, joke, or story bound to make you laugh.
In the twilight of his life Fred love of sports and the outdoors continued. Usually skiing, golfing, or hunting, Fred took great pleasure in the activities in which he participated and the friends and family that enjoyed it with him. Although his body, and it’s increasing physical limitations, weren’t always willing participants, he pressed on recognizing that life is for the living. Happiness to Fred was a crisp prairie morning in a baren landscape, barreling into a new field, wife and dog by his side, friends in the distance and an air of excitement, not for the thrill of the bounty, but for the journey and the stories to come. This is how we remember our loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, friend- as a long shadow starkly contrasted against a broad landscape, eyes fixed forward, loyal companions by his side. Would he have it any other way? Not on your life.
Celebration of Life details
Saturday January 21, 2023
12-3:30 PM
Spring Valley Golf Club
42350 County Rd 17-21
Elizabeth, CO 80107
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Fredee "Fred" Charles Plumer, please visit our floral store.