Fred S. Lindsey

Lieutenant Colonel Fred S. Lindsey, US Army Retired

November 25, 1929 – November 24, 2024

Fred Lindsey – loving father; steadfast friend; leader and mentor to the men under his command; member of a unique group of elite warriors, “Quiet Professionals”; and a gentle honorable man in all his ways – was  called home to God, on Sunday, November 24, 2024 

His parents, Lewis, a lawman, and Kenyon, a retired teacher, taught Fred to Love and Honor the Lord first, to respect others, and to love learning.  Upon graduating from Granite  High School (OK), he enlisted in the Army.  Fred was encouraged to apply to the US Military Academy (USMA).  In 1950, he received a Congressional appointment to USMA.  He remained in the Army until retiring with an Honorable Discharge in 1972.  His military decorations included two Legion of Merit awards (one with Oak Leaf Cluster), two Bronze Stars (Valor & Merit), Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation for service with MACV-SOG in Vietnam.  In 2019, Fred Lindsey was inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame, and in 2023 participated in the 39th Indiana Honor Flight.

During his first year at USMA, Fred Lindsey traveled with his entire class as the “12th man” to the Army/Navy football game in Philadelphia.  After the game, he met the love of his life, Elsie White.  The two married following his graduation from West Point in 1954.  They were blessed with two daughters. 

After retiring from the military, Fred moved back to Indiana (he had received his Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Indiana University) to begin a new civilian life.  He applied the lessons he learned, and continued to learn, embarking upon various career paths—working with a construction/development firm, an architectural and engineering firm, running his own agricultural energy business, and helping bring new industries to Indiana.  After 12-years with the State of Indiana’s Department of Commerce, Fred retired, receiving the highest honorary civilian awards from the governors of Indiana (Sagamore of the Wabash), and Kentucky (Kentucky Colonel) for his outstanding work.

Fred Lindsey wrote a book, Secret Green Beret Commandos in Cambodia and Laos (2012), to honor his men and provide a complete history of his unit, including his second deployment.  [This represented an ongoing love of writing having previously published a monthly newsletter for the Indiana Electronic Manufacturers Association, and compiling the Indiana High Technology Directory (1997).]

Fred followed his parent’s instructions to love and serve the Lord as an active member of Parkwood Baptist Church’s building committee while stationed in Virginia.  After moving to Indiana, he joined Orchard Park Presbyterian Church and another building committee serving with others who shared his desire to create a fitting space where all could come and worship the Lord. 

Fred’s volunteer activities demonstrated his desire to serve others: constructing the Alpha Phi house at Butler University; organizing the Gym Shoe program as a member of the Carmel Golden K Kiwanis Club (receiving the George F. Hixson Fellow award from Kiwanis International); assisting in providing shoes with Changing Footprints.  Fred also participated in the West Point Alumni Association; American Legion (Carmel Post); Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA Indiana chapter); Indianapolis Service Club; West Point Society (Indiana chapter); as well as Special Operations Association (SOA); Special Forces Association; National Association of Uniform Services (NAUS); and Military Writers of America Society.

He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl and Roberta (Robin); nieces, Becky (Jack) Snyder Smith, Jan (David) Snyder Stiles, Donna (Daniel) Lindsey Mack Estelle, Susan (Susie) Doty; nephew, Austin Lindsey; sister-in-law, Roberta (Bobbie) Doty, as well as numerous cousins, and grand/great nephews and nieces. 

He joins his parents, Lewis and Kenyon; beloved wife, Elsie; brothers, Kenyon (Bobo) and Jerry (Gerald); sisters: Lewise (Dale) Lindsey Snyder and Ruth Lindsey; brother-in-law, Charles Doty and Dale Snyder; as well as many from his military family, in Heaven.

Our family gratefully acknowledges the care of Dr. Ingrid Mason and her staff, the dedicated nurses, physical and occupational therapists of Ascension St. Vincent Home Care, the incredible team of medical professionals with Careline Hospice, Donna Bussell of Bussell Family Funerals, and the ministers and members of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church.

Family and friends will gather on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm in Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 1605 E. 106th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46280, where the Funeral Service will take place at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 7, 2024. A Committal Service with Full Military Honors will follow at 2:30 pm in Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN  46208.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the Lindsey family with arrangements.

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