Fred G. (Fritz) Deats III

Fred G. (Fritz) Deats III Fred G. (Fritz) Deats III, 77 died June 28, 2013. He was born on December 23, 1935 in Houston, Texas to Fred G. Deats, Jr. and Billie McEnroe Deats. He attended Holy Name Catholic School and graduated the eighth grade in 1950. It was there he became active in the Boy Scouts of America. He was the first member of Troup 41 to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in Houston in 1954. He was a member of the R.O.T.C. where he obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class while serving as platoon sergeant. Upon graduation he enlisted in the US Navy. Upon completion of boot camp he attended Class “A” school at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in the repair and maintenance of optical and navigational instruments. He finished at the top of his class. He served aboard the U.S.S. Cadmus (AR-14) a repair ship of the U.S. Sixth Fleet where he obtained the rank of OM2. After completing his obligation he was Honorably Discharged. He moved back to Houston and married Joan Marie Braren on January 17, 1959. They raised two sons: Fred G. Deats IV and Michael W. Deats. In 1997 he retired from Ford Motor Co. (Insurance Operations) with 30 years service. He was Regional Claims Manager for the southwestern region of the United States. He was a member of Farris Chapel United Methodist Church of West Sandy where he served as Trustee and Chairman of the church board and member of The Gideons International. He was an ordained minister of World Christionship Ministries and performed both Weddings and Funerals. Member of American Mensa, life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, life member American Legion, life member of National Eagle Scout Association. Was elected to and served on Board of Directors of Montgomery County Water Control and Improvement District #1 from 1973 to 1982, the last six years as President of the Board. He is survived by his bride of 54 years, Joan M. Deats, two sons, Fred G. Deats IV and wife Casey of Conroe; Michael W. Deats and wife Brenda of Spring; brother Patrick M. McEnroe and wife Myrna of DeSoto, Texas; grandchildren: Kristina Deats, Brittney Deats, Tiffany Deats, Brandon Deats and Megan Deats; half brothers: Gerald Deats of Dallas and James Deats of Kansas City, KS. A memorial service will be held at Farris Chapel United Methodist Church, 1651 FM-1791 in West Sandy Community, Texas, Wednesday, July 3, 2013, 10:00 a.m., with Bro. Jeff Leightsey and Dr. Don Post officiating. After cremation, interment will be at Farris Cemetery. This will be a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Rita B. Huff Humane Society, 530 Bearkat Blvd., Huntsville, TX 77340 or at their website www.ritabhuffanimalshelter.org and Humane Society. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com

Fred G. (Fritz) Deats III

December 23, 1935 - June 28, 2013