Frede

Leo C. “Bubba” Frede, 91, of Lexington, died Aug. 17, 2017. A gathering of family and friends was held on Aug. 24, 2017, from 6 to 7 p.m. with a memorial service celebrating his life that followed at 7 p.m. at Lindley-Robertson-Holt Funeral Home of Navasota. He was born on June 2, 1926 in La Grange to Virginia Fields and Leo H. Frede. Bubba grew up in La Grange living close to the Colorado River, fishing and hunting and developing a love for the outdoors. His family owned an automobile and tractor dealership in La Grange where he worked as a young man developing an appreciation for most anything mechanical, especially cars. In high school he played quarterback for the La Grange Leopards. He maintained a love for sports, the outdoors, and cars throughout his life. He hunted, fished, was an avid golfer, and bought, sold and traded many cars and vehicles. After graduating high school in 1944 he joined the Merchant Marines where he served for two years. After service he enrolled in Texas A&M receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1949. In the same year he married Joyce Moore. They were married for 27 years and had two children, Chuck and Lou. A year after his marriage and working as a salesman in his family’s dealership, he was able to follow his passion for outdoor life by joining his father-in- law and brother-in- law, farming and ranching in Grimes, Brazos, and Washington Counties. After the division of the partnership into sole operations, Bubba continued to farm and ranch. In his later years, he enjoyed purchasing raw, rural land tracts to improve and sell. He refused to “give up” even after complications of a stroke in 2012. He had just purchased what would be his last tract of land a few months before he passed away. He loved life and lived it fully. Bubba was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara Joseph and her husband Richard. Celebrating his life are his children; Chuck Frede and his wife Marcy, Lou Podraza and her husband Ronnie, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, five nephews, two nieces, and his lifelong friends Special mention is given to his companion and caretaker over the last five years, Jose Palacios. Bubba was a pet owner always. Included with his survivors are his dogs, “Levi,” “Jake,” and “Sam.” In lieu of usual remembrances, the family suggests that memorial contributions be given to a favorite charity. You are invited to sign the guestbook and leave condolences for the family at www.lindleyrobertsonholt.com. Lindley-Robertson-Holt Funeral Home of Navasota was in charge of arrangements.