Fred M. Bodycomb

Fred was born on September 4th, 1933 in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, to Frederick M. and Geraldine M. Bodycomb. He grew up in N.J., and in the mountains in Pennsylvania. As a child he particularly enjoyed the outdoors, and ran a trap line when he was young. He graduated from Chatham High School in N.J. in 1951, and received degree in geology from the University of Kentucky in 1956. In 1958 he married Carolyn McCarter, and three children were born to them, Judith, Elizabeth and Daniel. His wife died in 1979 and he proudly raised his children to adulthood. After completing his education he worked as an exploration geologist for an oil company in Shreveport, Louisiana; spent several years in the field of engineering with a construction company in New Orleans, in Research and Development related to minerals in N.J. and Denver, Colorado. He progressed to the level of Research Manager, he remained active in the field of geology and minerals in the consulting. Fred was proud to be a member of the Society of Mining Engineers; Wyoming Geological Association; New Mexico Geological Society; Rocky Mountain Association of Geology; The American Institute of Professional Geology; and to be a Registered Professional Geologist, #167 in the State of Wyoming. In 1990, he married Melva Lee Hill, and they moved to Springfield where Fred built the home where they lived until his death on January 2, 2017. He especially enjoyed the abundance of wildlife in the area, planted hundreds of trees and spent many hours in the company of good friends. Fred was an active community member, giving back to the town where he made his home. He was a member of the Springfield United Methodist Church and served on many different committees. He was passionate about the service of the Lions Club and a long time member. In 1993 Fred was "Lion of the Year". During this time he served as president and membership chair but found his greatest pleasure in his favorite projects; Treat Street, eye glass project and Christmas Toy Drive. Fred is survived by his wife, Melva and his children, Judith (Clark) Clingenpeel of Girdwood, AK; Elizabeth (Chris)Curran of Larkspur, CO, and Daniel (Crystelle) Bodycomb of Arvada, CO: stepdaughters, Sandi Gonzales of Great Bend KS; Shari (Roger) Girard of Cle Elum WA; and Staci (Richard) Collins of Thousand Oaks, CA; 14 Grand Children and 4 Great Grand Children as well as many friends and colleagues.