1927
2017
Fred Paul Kirkhart, 90, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by family, on December 30, 2017.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Irene Kirkhart, son Wayne of Carrollton, Ohio, daughter Donna Bland (George) of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Grandsons Ryan Bland of Chicago, Illinois, Nick Bland (Brittany) of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Great Granddaughters Isabelle and Finley Robertshaw, and Harper Bland of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
Fred began life as a farmer in West Virginia. He joined the Army during WWII and served in Germany as an M.P. After the war, he received his Bachelors’ degree in Chemistry from V.P.I., and began a family with Irene. He later obtained a Masters’ degree in Fuel Technology from Penn State where he assisted in the development of fuel used in space travel.
During his career with Union Carbide, Battelle Institute, Goodyear Aerospace, and Loral, Fred became a leading expert in the field of Carbon Technology, for which he was responsible for numerous patents. He was also the recipient of the Carl Arnstein award for technical achievement for his work on the carbon material used today in airplane and automotive brakes.
He retired to Lebanon, Ohio, in 1988, to return to his true passion, which was farming. It was during this time that he developed a new variety of apple, which his family lovingly refers to as “The Frapple”. Fred will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his great sense of humor, and his generosity and dedication to his family.
Service will be 11am Friday, January 5, 2018 at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes, WV 25313 with Celebrant H.R. Whittington officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10:30am Friday at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Tyler Mountain Funeral Home.
1 Entry
January 5, 2018
Our condolences to the family from Bob, Summer and Jewel Cook of Monroe, GA
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Tyler Mountain Funeral Home5233 Rocky Fork Road P.O. Box 7517, Cross Lanes, WV 25313
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