Fred Vines

Fred Vines, age 97, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Fred was born May 29, 1926 in Tuskahoma, Oklahoma, a son of William and Hazel (Hunt) Vines. 

He was raised in Holdenville, Oklahoma and attended Holdenville Public Schools graduating from Holdenville High School with the class of 1944.

Fred was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge.  Upon returning from his military duty Fred married the love of his life, Billie Ruth Massey on October 18, 1949 in Wewoka, Oklahoma.  After marriage they lived in Wewoka and Oklahoma City before settling in the Bethel Acres area in 1955 where they resided for the last 60 years.

Fred retired from Tinker Air Force Base.

He attended and was a huge supporter of Bethel United Methodist Church.

Fred loved fishing, gardening, American history, and tinkering with things in the yard.  He was active in the Bethel Acres community and was instrumental in helping get the township incorporated in 1962. Fred was very proud of his military service and honored to be a Veteran.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Billie Ruth Vines; daughter, Judith Vines; his parents, William and Hazel Vines; three brothers, William Vines, Jack Vines and James Vines; and sister, Ellen Westmoreland.

He is survived by one daughter, Karen Vines; one grandson, Andrew Kinnamon and fiancé Peyton Gose of Bethel Acres; nephew, Bryan Vines; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday October 19, 2023 at Cooper Funeral Home and continue through service time.  Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday October 20, 2023 at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel with Bryan Vines officiating. Burial will follow at Hopewell Cemetery in Bethel Acres under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.