1922
2015
Oscar Fred Oerly passed away peacefully at his home on February 10, 2015 at the age of 92.
Fred began his life on December 7, 1922, in Overton, Missouri, as the son of a local store owner. Fred’s experiences there inexorably shaped his development as well as many of his future life decisions. Fred treasured Mid-Missouri, deciding to spend nearly all his life living and working in Boonville. As a young man, Fred was thrust into World War II at age 20. Along with his older brother, Fred served in the Marines in the Pacific Theater during the war. He served his country on the beaches of Okinawa, Bougainville, as well as Guadalcanal. He returned home for Thanksgiving 1945 and married Jan (Zula) Smith on Christmas. After a brief time living and working in Los Angeles, Fred retuned to Mid-Missouri where he became a lifetime member of the Brick Layers Union. Many buildings and fireplaces across central Missouri are testament to his skill and hard work. Among his many endeavors, Fred was especially proud of his success in integrating the Boy Scout troop he led.
After retiring in 1987, Fred authored two books, one focused on his life in Overton, Missouri, and the other, '38 Pieces of Shrapnel,' focused on his experiences as a Marine.
Fred was thrilled by his Honor Flight in 2010 and spent most of the next two years carving 112 cardinals as gifts to the numerous volunteers who help veterans travel to see their memorials in Washington, D.C. For the last four decades, Fred was a prolific wood carver who made hundreds of carvings, crafting dozens of different species of mammals, fish and birds. This passion reflected his love of the outdoors. Fred enjoyed sharing his passion of hunting and fishing with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jan Oerly, in 2001, and by his son Dennis Oerly in 2005. His sisters, Marie and Hazel, as well as his bother Sam also preceded him in death.
Fred is survived by his two daughters, Donavan Davis and Diane Oerly; his daughter-in-law, Karen Oerly; several nieces and nephews; seven grandchildren, Christopher (Debbie) Oerly, Greg (Liz) Gammage, Sam (Tess) Oerly, Matt (Brandi) Oerly, Wes Oerly, Adriana (Louie) Nieman, and Mitchell Hughey; and a growing number of great-grandchildren.
Fred was an active and hard-working member of the Evangelical United Church of Christ. While flowers are welcome, please consider instead a donation to the Evangelical UCC Church, or the Central Missouri Honor Flight. The visitation will be at Boonville’s William Woods Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, February 13th. Services will be at the Evangelical UCC Church in Boonville on Saturday, February 14th at 1 p.m. and burial beside Jan and Dennis at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 5, 2021
Daughter
Carol Oerly Warren
Fred Oerly is truly one of the greatest generation. I do miss our get togethers over the years. Love this picture of Fred!
February 5, 2020
Friend
Robert Gander
What a great fellow! I enjoyed his company.
February 23, 2015
Erica Alelxander
My sincerest sympathy. May the God of all comfort strength your family during this time of sorrow. Those who die God keep in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalms:116:15
February 14, 2015
Carol Oerly Warren
I will always have a vision of my Uncle Fred and hold him forever in my heart. I will love you and miss you always......
February 13, 2015
Judy Stegner Reese
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I'm so glad that you had so much wonderful time with him over the years and especially recently. Take care and know this comes with love,
February 12, 2015
Doug Elley
What a blessing it was to get to know Fred over this last decade of his life and to experience his wit, humor, & that grinning twinkle in his eyes. And, Ohthe stories!....of his life growing up in the small river town of Overtonso articulately reflected in his book, Some Mighty Good YearsOverton, MO ~ 1925-1937. Next came his book, 38 Pieces of Shrapnel, documenting a young man's life swept into the multiple battles of World War II.
Not to mention the array of woodcarvings he has left with usand the stories they tell! Sometimes words just aren't enough.
Every time he came to the Lupus Store concerts over the past 12 years I often succeeded in coaxing him into telling us a story, and how mesmerizing they wereas we sank in our seats, and into a realm of times gone by. We'll truly miss you Fred...but then again, you're still with us in oh so many ways
February 12, 2015
Dan Lammers
"And Now, may the great scout master of all good scouts be with us 'till we meet again. May we run the race at a good scouts pace up the trail that leads to him." Mr. Oerly closed each meeting with that and I still remember it 50 years later....What a fine example for us all. I will really miss him.
February 12, 2015
I got to know Fred through his storytelling out at the Lupus General Store, and enjoyed listening and visiting with him whenever I had the chance. He will be missed.
February 12, 2015
So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. God bless you all.
Wanda Linhardt Davis
February 12, 2015
Deb Jewett
His sweetness will be remembered fondly. My little carvings smile on me and I will always remember the remarkable man I was so happy and honored to know.
February 12, 2015
Robert Gander
Dearest Family,
I have know of Fred most of my life, however, only recently became a friend. What an accomplished wood crafter, Author, Stone Mason, War Hero, Community Improver, Friend, Family Man and Citizen. How lucky I am to have known Fred, if only for a short while. Thank You for sharing your time with me. I am blessed.
God Bless You!
February 11, 2015
Wayne & Sharon Lammers
Fred was a friend to many in the Boonville area. He will be truly missed by many.
February 11, 2015
Cynthia Livingston
Donovan and Diane - All my love to you both. As you well know, he was an amazing man. So loving, kind, creative, & strong. I cherish all my memories of him, Jan, and you from my childhood. Thank you for sharing him with my family.
With Love, Cynthia Grissum Livingston
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