Fred F. Brattain, 97, was born May 27, 1922 and raised in the small town of Carmel, Indiana. Fred passed away on February 22, 2020 “in his own bed in his own home” per his wishes. Promises kept!
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Mary Ellen (Jessup); parents, Otis and Ina Brattain; brothers, Arnold and Vernon (“Peanut”) Brattain; sister Erma Moffitt.
Survivors include daughter, Linda McCord (Paul) and son Gary Brattain (Sheila); grandchildren, Brian Streu (AZ), Tara Frederick (CA), Garen Brattain (IN), and Bonnie Deady (VA); great- grandchildren, Bronson, Bennett, Gavin, Nola, and Leo.
Fred was a proud WWII Navy veteran and served aboard the submarines Sea Poacher, Skipjack, and Artule as a Master Electrician. One story included being underwater in Tokyo Bay on a mission while being operated on the dining table for a burst appendix.
His career at Indiana Bell Telephone Company started as a lineman right after WWII and ended 42 years later as a Manager in Yellow Pages.
He was a 73-year life member of Carmel Legion Post 155 having served as Post Commander in the 1950’s. He was also a member of the Carmel VFW as well as serving as a volunteer on the Carmel Fire Department with his father during the 1940’s and 1950’s.
He loved working in his park-like yard and gardens and did so until age 96. He was also a Mr. Fix-It and handyman to his friends and neighbors. Like his father, he was a skilled woodworker.
He was loved and “adopted” by his many caring neighbors who kept an eye on “Old Fred” to the end. Especially close was next door neighbors, Cindy Eads and husband, Bill (USMC -deceased). Cindy watched over Fred like a loving angel and adopted surrogate daughter. Also very special love and thanks to his one faithful Legion Buddy Sandy Smith who stayed in touch and enriched his life even after Fred was no longer able to come to Post 155 and belly up to the bar.
A visitation will take place Sunday, March 1, 2020 from 1-3 pm in Bussell Family Funerals. A grave side service will follow in Carmel Cemetery with the Blessing given by his daughter-in-law, Sheila Brattain. Also, Navy Military Honors will be conducted.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Fred, may be given to Pets for Vets, PO Box 10860, Wilmington, NC 28404.
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.
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