Frederick Eugene Hanes

March 18, 1936 ~ February 25, 2025 
Life Verse: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30

Click HERE to watch Fred Hanes' Celebration of Life

Frederick Eugene Hanes, 88, received his eternal promotion on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. He is now in heaven with his beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Fred will be missed by many who knew and loved him throughout his life.

Fred was born on March 18, 1936, in Galeton, PA, to Eugene and Emma (Johnston) Hanes. At the age of 11, Fred went to live with his foster parents, Louis J. and Ethel Zundel, in Germania, PA. Through their faithful witness and the opportunity to attend Penn Wood Bible Camp, Fred accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. 

Fred was grateful for the love and care provided by the Zundel family, which included their three daughters—Ruth, Thelma, and Betty. His chores on the Zundel Farm involved milking the cows twice daily, harvesting potatoes and apples, and maintaining the equipment. He also split wood for heat and cooking and pumped water for the chickens. Fred served as the president of FFA during high school. His FFA projects included cows and milk production, butterfat testing, corn, potatoes, beehives (record-keeping and maintenance), and chickens. In his junior year, he earned the State FFA Achievement Award, which is an honor for a junior student to receive.

Fred and the Zundels attended Galeton Baptist Church, where he met Betty Eckman, the love of his life. After graduating high school, Fred and Betty enrolled at the Philadelphia Bible Institute in Philadelphia, PA. They were married on August 4, 1956, and graduated from PBI in 1957. Fred and Betty moved back to northern Pennsylvania and settled in Wellsboro, PA, where their children—Brenda, Doug, and Jeff—were born. 

The family relocated to Troy, PA, where Fred owned and operated Tiller’s Paint and Floor Covering Store, the Troy Pennysaver, and Blue Spruce Farm. He served as president of the Borough Council and the Rotary Club. Fred coached Little League baseball teams while his two sons played and attended many wrestling matches and football and basketball games. He was also a deacon and Sunday School teacher at the Troy Baptist Church.

Always eager to travel, Fred drove an 18-wheeler truck for 15 years. His dedication to the Lord’s work enabled him to serve with Pioneers and Wycliffe in Orlando, FL. He also spent several years working with JAARS in Charlotte, NC, and SIL in Dallas, TX. Fred led an active life – hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, and snowmobiling. He thoroughly enjoyed both his work and hobbies, balancing hard work with play. Fred and Betty loved traveling in their RV together, visiting 48 states. 

Throughout his life, Fred sought ways to encourage and bless others each day. He was quick to offer kind words and eager to pray for them. A strong leader and a devoted follower of Jesus, his smile was contagious, and he loved to laugh. For Fred Hanes, the glass was always half full.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Betty Eckman Hanes; his daughter, Brenda (Walt) McCord of Uniontown, OH; his son, Jeffrey (Micki) Hanes of Big Sandy, TX; daughter-in-law Mary Ellen Hanes of Jacksonville, FL; 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Paul (Carol) Hanes. 

His parents, Eugene and Emma Hanes, along with his siblings Harold Hanes, Pauline Davis, Charles Hanes, Stanley Hanes, and Shirley Morgan, and his son, Douglas Hanes, preceded him in death.

The family wishes to express gratitude for the kindness and care provided by Autumn Wind and The Hospice of East Texas staff. 

Memorial gifts may be made to: 
Discover God’s Truth Ministries
PO Box 733 | Uniontown, OH 44685

A celebration of Fred's life will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Autumn Winds Assisted Living in Mineola at 2:00 PM.