Fred Early, 89 / Jan. 10, 1922 — Feb. 7, 2011

Published 11:14 pm Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Fred Early, 89, of Niles, died at 8:55 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, 2011 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles unexpectedly but of natural causes.

He was born Jan. 10, 1922 in Niles to Fred Early, Sr. and Mary Louise (Hahn) Early. He graduated from Niles High School and lived here all his life.

He retired from Alro Steel in Niles and was previously employed with the railroad and Tyler Refrigeration.

Fred was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Niles. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the United States Army. He was a member of American Legion Post 26 and a life member and past exalted ruler of B.P.O. of Niles Elks Lodge 1322.

Fred was a member of the Elks Golf League and league bowling at Whites Bowling Alley. He enjoyed vegetable gardening.

He married Leona M. (Young) Early on June 27, 1948 at St. John’s Untied Church of Christ in Niles.

Fred is survived by his wife, Leona; daughters, Sandra Lee Early of Grand Rapids, Mich. and Diane Gail Early of Niles; sons, James Fredric (Ann) Early of Ada, Mich. and Gary Alan (Vicki) Early of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Quimby.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2011 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Harry L. Clark of St. John’s United Church of Christ officiating.

Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, concluding with Elks rites at 4 p.m. Full military honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post 51 will follow the services at the graveside.