Fred E. Cordell, 76, residing in Beaver, passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2012 with his loved ones by his side in his home. He was born August 27, 1936 in Columbus, Ohio to Oscar and Mattie (Jenkins) Cordell, the fifth of eight children. In June of 1980 he received Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was a member of the Galilean Baptist Church and Cleveland Baptist Temple, both located in Cleveland.
As a child the family relocated to Beaver from Columbus. There he spent time growing and working to help the family. He met the love of his life, Verna Jean Baker and they were married July 14, 1955. After the passing of his father in 1963, he continued to raise his younger brothers. Following employment opportunities, he settled in Cleveland and resided there for over 30 years. During that time he had pursued various employment opportunities including laborer, salesman, store owner and truck driver. He was the owner of Cordell Hauling where he retired.
Fred enjoyed the outdoor life. Whether it was fishing for bass, blue gill, catfish or Lake Erie for walleye, it really didn’t matter. Hunting deer, turkey or small game albeit with guns, cross or compound bows with close family and lifelong friends, he enjoyed the most. He enjoyed the bonding with his friends as well as their children, never passing a chance to show or teach them something wonderful. He was blessed with a keen sense of humor and was ready with a good story or joke. He enjoyed reading non-fictional stories of the old west and frontier life. He loved his Ohio sports. The Indians, Browns and the Cavaliers were among his favorite teams. He experienced hopefulness as well as frustration. He was a loving and generous man with a twinkle in his eye and a heart of gold, who believed everyone deserved a chance.
He is survived by his children, Mike Cordell (Beaver, Ohio); daughter, Sharon and her husband, Robert Reschke (Bellevue, Ohio); granddaughter, Brandy Cordell (Jackson, Ohio) and his first great-grandchild, due in 2013. Also surviving is his only remaining brother, Stan (Cleveland, Ohio) as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces and a host of close friends that were important in his life.
Fred was preceded in death by his one true love, Jean in 2007 as well as his brothers, James, Orville, Richard, John Henry, William and his one sister, Mary Lou.
Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at the Obetz Cemetery, in Obetz, Ohio with Pastor Joe Williams officiating. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at the Cox Burkitt Funeral Home in Beaver, Ohio. Online condolences to www.coxburkittfh.com