Fred Moats
September 4, 1933 ~ July 27, 2016
Fred Moats, 82, fought the good fight, finished the race and received his heavenly crown on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Central Christian Church. Those who knew Fred are encouraged to share their memories of him at the service or online. Fred, the oldest son of Elmer and Pauline Moats was born September 4, 1933 in Hutchinson, KS. He graduated from Wichita East High School in 1951 and joined the US Army in 1953. He served with the Honest John Rocket Unit in Hanau, Germany as a Radar operator. He married his sweetheart, Glenda, in 1954. Returning to Wichita, Fred learned drafting at Boeing aircraft, working as a tool designer. In 1968 he became the Director of Drafting at Central Drafting College, training many of Wichita’s drafters until 1985. Fred was an ordained minister but saw himself as a missionary sharing the saving grace of God with everyone he met. He was a chaplain at the Sedgwick County Jail, the Juvenile Detention Facility, Union Rescue Mission, Sedgwick Plaza, and His Helping Hands, for many years. In his final days he still found the time and energy to pray with his nurses and those who came to visit him. Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Moats; and cousin, Jim Cline. Survived by his wife, Glenda; daughters, Kelly (Debbie Winn) Hanshew, Laura (Ken) McLemore; sister, Luana (Adrian) Horton; sisters-in-law, Betty Moats, Cheryl (John) Yasbec; grandchildren, Benjamin (Devin) Hanshew, Meghan (Jeremiah) McLemore Griffith, Erin (Kyle Hobbie) McLemore; 2 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. A memorial has been established with His Helping Hands Ministry at Central Christian Church 2900 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS, 67226. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dear Family of Fred, For one year in the late ’70s, I taught with Fred at Central Business College. His drafting class was across the hall from my reading development class. I learned two things from Fred: 1) know your stuff and 2) know your students. His connection with his students was palpable through how he interacted with them as they, his apprentices, worked hard to impress their masterful teacher. Fred truly cared for people. I felt I was “under his wing,” even though he never mother-henned me. I’m sure he sensed and responded to the unhappiness I had in my life 40+ year ago. His quiet demeanor and gentle words calmed my troubled soul. My short time with Fred must have impacted me greatly because, 12 years later, I restarted my teaching career which continues to this day. From Day One, I have tried to channel Fred Moats in my interactions with my students. Judging by their comments about how I have taught them “life lessons,” I know that the Moats Effect is alive and well in me. Fred Moats living example has enriched my personal and teaching life. THANKS, FRED! Jim Heinrich Estrella Mountain Community College MTI Director 3000 N. Dysart Road Avondale, Arizona