Freddie Joe "Fred" Stowe

Freddie Joe Stowe 86, Warren, passed away at Jackson County Memorial Hospital Friday morning, November 18, 2016. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Monday, November 21, 2016 in the Kincannon Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow services at the Warren Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. The Stowe family will greet friends Sunday afternoon, November 20, 2016 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Kincannon Funeral Home.
Fred was born January 1, 1930 to Herschel Stowe and Esther (Campbell) Koebelen in Sentinel, Oklahoma. He graduated from Lone Wolf High School in 1947. Freddie and Darlene Almeta Wheeler were united in marriage on September 16, 1949 in Hobart, Oklahoma. They had two daughters, Terri Jo and Lisa Diane. After getting married Fred began working as a lineman. He worked in Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arizona, and New Mexico climbing poles and building line assisting in the electrification of western Oklahoma. After working for several years as a lineman Fred returned home and bought the first family farm. He spent the next 60 years farming and ranching with his family. He enjoyed farming peanuts; raising cattle and wheat.
Fred was deeply involved in the community. His love of being a lineman was carried over as he served 45 years as a board member and 24 years as Board President of Southwest Rural Electric Cooperative in Tipton, Oklahoma. He also served 34 years on the board of directors of Western Farmers Electric Cooperative where he served many positions. In 1997 he was inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Hall of Fame. He was instrumental as a Warren School board member in the consolidation of Warren and Friendship schools in 1962 in the building of Navajo School and also served on the board for 22 years. Fred was also a board member for the Warren and Friendship gins. He was an original incorporator of the Jackson County Rural Water District and was president for 20 years. He was also an organizer of the Warren Fire Department.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents and step father, Joe Koebelen; his daughter Terri; brother, Jim Koebelen; and sister-in-law, Hazel Koebelen. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife of 67 years, Almeta; daughter, Lisa Petzold and husband Corwin; son-in-law, Tim Gill; grandchildren, Tyler Gill, Tara Gill, and Seth Petzold; great grandchildren, Terrin and Tymrie; a nephew, Joe Koebelen and wife Trish; a niece, Connie Koebelen and a host of family, friends and rural electric friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Warren Community Center; the Warren Cemetery Association or the Navajo School Foundation in memory of Fred Stowe.
Online tributes may be made at kincannonfuneralhome.com