Evansville, IN – Frederick Philip Willman, 73, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville. He was born on March 24, 1948 in Evansville to the late Charles and Madeline (Kratz) Willman.
Fred was the owner and operator of Fred’s Bar and Grill in Evansville for 30 years. He was a member of the Evansville Athletic Club and worked at Simplicity Furniture where he was the opening act for their comedy nights. He enjoyed Central Highschool football, I.U. basketball and trips to Mesker Zoo.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann (Berning) Willman; his children, Amy Willman-Pendleton (Chris), Tarra Coomes (Earl) and T.W. (Lisa); his grandchildren, Philip Pendleton, Jack Pendleton, Michael Willman, Kate Pendleton and Opal Coomes; his brother, Melvin Willman and his mother-in-law, Dot Berning.
Fred is preceded in death by his sister, Connie Conrad.
Per Fred’s wishes, no services will be held.
Simple Cremation Evansville is entrusted with care.
Sally Kroeger says
Much love going out to Barb, Tara and all on this sad, sad occasion. Fred was a force to be reckoned with and he brought many smiles and laughs to those around him. God bless you all.
Mark & Dianne Hobbs says
Prayers for the family. We loved listening to Fred’s jokes and stories we could listen to all day, he was so funny and kind.
Natalie M Reynolds says
Barb,
You may not remember me, but I knew you and Fred when I worked at Deaconess from 1992 to 1996. My boss Marty and I used to frequent the bar. I have so many fond memories of you all. Wish I could go back to those carefree years when life was simpler and happier. My heart ❤️ goes out to you. Thank you and Fred for providing such a great place to unwind.
Randall Gaiser says
Barb & Family,
Words cannot express the sorrow that you and your family are experiencing
right now. All we can offer is, While Fred was with all of us, he was truly a lot of fun, great cook and a good friend. We are grateful to have known him.
I cherish the good times we had together at the bar for years.
Randy & Marlene Gaiser
Terry Sauer says
Met Fred in Kindergarten at Columbia School and went thru Central High School Together. Always his own person and always a wry smile on his face. He was a kind, gentle person without an enemy. A rare soul. The world is a darker place without him.
Mt condolences to his wonderful family.
Joe Minnette At the EAC says
We are real sorry how about Fred’s passing he was a hell of a guy and a good friend and a good father and a good head we just finished six triple S from Fred’s bar they went as good as Fred’s but They were OK sorry for your loss Barb and the kids we’re going to Miss him from Joe Minnette And the rest of the members at the Evansville athletic club
Joe Minnette At The EAC says
We just finished six triple F Like bread made at the bar they was not as good but they was OK
Todd says
I’m very sorry for your loss. You don’t know me but I’m the current owner of the jukebox from Fred’s Bar. Fred and I would sing the songs from the jukebox until closing and sometimes past closing. After the bar closed Fred arranged for me to buy the jukebox. I’ve changed some CDs but most remain the same. Every time I play the jukebox I think of Fred and the good times we had together. I think we all want to know that we made an impression on others during our life and I just want you to know that Fred did with me. We lost a good one. Cheers
Lucy Grisham says
My dear Barb,
Tom and I are so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was a wonderful person. I will remember him smiling, laughing and telling jokes because that is his legacy. We celebrated so many good times over these past 30 years at Fred’s Bar. We both loved him dearly. We send you our heartfelt condolences and our prayers for you and your family. May God bless you and the children now and throughout the coming days.
All our love, Lucy and Tom Grisham
Laura Notich says
I am so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He made our lunch break at Deaconess so much fun. He always had a joke or laugh to share. It was obvious he loved his family and his business. I send my deepest sympathy to Barb and his children.
Laura Notich
Allen & Mary Boring says
So sorry for your loss Barb both our families have so many memories together. Fred’s humor make him so special. You & the kids are in our prayers.
Friends, Allen & Mary Boring
Mike Dix says
So sorry to hear this Moe. Tons of great neighborhood memories. Freddie always had a smile and a good story to tell.
Patty Laird says
To Barb and all of Fred’s family,
My deepest sympathies to all of you. Fred was always so funny and a good guy. I have fond memories of our lunches at Fred’s. Sending prayers for all of you.
Paula Sininger Skelton says
So very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Met the entire family all those years ago when TW was in the accident. I worked on the Rehab Unit at Deaconess, Always a smile and a good,funny word for every one. Rest in Heaven Sir.
joe goodman says
…..From all the neighborhood friends. We “Loved” Fred’s as our special
place for a Great cheeseburger and Good conversation. “Thank You”
Fred and Barb !
The Goodman Family…..
Ray Simon says
Was really saddened to hear of Fred’s passing he was such a great guy cook bartender n friend he will definitely be missed by many. Condolences for you Barb n all the family had so many good times with Fred God bless you my friend you always made me laugh no matter wat was goin on n my life rip buddy
Terry Mabrey "Schmitt" says
I am so sorry to hear that cousin Freddy is gone. He was always kind to me and My mother Linda was very fond of him. She has been gone a year last September. I believe there will be a great homecoming in heaven. I am sure he will be telling stories and laughing with the rest of them. God bless and keep you all. I will always remember his laughter. Peace and love to you Barbra.
Ray and Cathy Barclay says
Cathy and I send our sincere condolences to Fred’s family at this time of sadness and loss. In speaking for myself, Fred and I regularly walked to CHS in the morning. I lived on the corner of Columbia and Oakley and that’s where we would meet. Fred and I were good friends and went many places together. Some ‘places’ I would rather not mention. Good times and lots of laughs. I was able to talk with Fred during my trip back to Evansville for the 50th CHS reunion. At that time he was still operating his bar/grill where we talked on a Friday evening before the reunion. Cathy and I will hold the family in our prayers. ✝️
Robyn R Winfrey says
So sad to hear about the passing of Fred. He will always be remembered with fond memories. Love and prayers to Barb, the kids and all who loved him.
Sincerely,
Mike, Robyn, Ashlee and Kara Winfrey
Zach Howard says
I was introduced to Fred one night many years ago by Talk of the Town Pizza Bar owner RJ Rakestraw.
RJ had told me prior to walking into Fred’s Bar that “You will love Fred, everybody loves Fred!”. I saw why immediately.
Fred had an old school way about himself that earned your respect with ease while reaching you in a way that made you feel like you had always known him.
His one of a kind sense of humor along with his famous hamburger and chili always hit the spot.
He would move around behind that bar making your order and catering to you simultaneously creating and carrying conversations while telling jokes like the Pro he was. He was such an inspiration to someone thinking of entering the bar business and one of the few old town local bar industry greats who always told it like it is.
He was truly the epitome of the old fashioned bar keeper who gave us all that full service experience that you rarely if ever see anymore. His presence will forever hold a place in the hearts of all who knew him and the establishments that he was a part of, influenced and created will never be forgotten.
Fred, thank you so much for everything.
Zach Howard
mary (rough) russell says
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Fred’s death. I was in Simplicity furniture store just a couple of weeks ago and met Fred for the first time. He was so kind and easy to talk to. He made sure I got the furniture I was wanting and even walked my pie out to my car when he saw the sling I had on my arm from surgery. What a gentleman. Barb, you and your sweet granddaughter came to the new store (not opened yet) while she ran next door to get a key. We all chatted at the front door not knowing Angels would soon be taking your sweet husband to his forever home in a few days. This shocking announcement has left me sad to see such a sweet man leave us so early. You all were blessed to have his company. Glad I got to know him.
Fred Frederick says
My heart goes out to Fred’s family.
He was a great bar keeper and grill man.
There was always a good hot meal, a cold beverage, and human entertainment at Fred’s.
He will be missed by many.
Donna mitchell says
Dear Barb, Amy, Tara and “T”,
No words will ever do justice to the impact Fred and Fred’s Bar has had on so many who started as customers and became friends.
We hope that you all feel surrounded by much love and great memories.
Sincerely,
Donna and Tim Mitchell