Fred M. Fielden

Fred M. Fielden, 78, of Norman, died Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, following a brief illness. He was born Sept. 26, 1943, in Chandlerville, Ill., to Robert E. and Ruth (Meek) Fielden. He lived there with his parents and his older brother, Bobby, before the family moved to Norman in 1946.

Fred loved spending time on his grandparent’s farm in Fort Cobb as a child. He loved telling stories about his adventures on the farm.

He attended Norman Public Schools and University High School. Following high school, he went to trade school for auto body repair in Okmulgee, OK. He then worked at a local body shop and later worked at Sterr’s Grocery Store.

He married the love of his life, Anita (Neal) Fielden, on Jan. 31, 1970. They had a daughter, Michelle, in 1975. His relationship with Anita was a storybook romance. They were inseparable and he was chivalrous to the end. They were married just days short of 52 years. They were best friends for their entire relationship.

Fred became a successful stay-at-home dad. He always was ready with cookies after Michelle got off the bus. They discussed the events of the day, and solved the world’s problems together. His close relationship with Michelle continued the rest of his life.

The only thing Fred loved more than being a dad and husband, was being Bubby to his grandchildren, Will, Ryan, and Alex. He referred to them as his pride and joy, and loved telling stories to them and about them to his friends, family, and even strangers. He loved attending their sporting events, spending time with them after school, and hearing about their lives.

Fred loved cars. He loved working with cars and attending drag races with his friends, especially Bob Rice. He and Bob went on many adventures, whether it be going to car shows, going to car races, or eating at their favorite restaurants. He even restored his daughter’s first car, a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible.

He loved sports and loved his Oklahoma Sooners the most. He recalled many times listening to football games on the radio as a little boy, and remembered crying at the end of the Sooners’ 47-game winning streak in 1957. One of his favorite memories was getting to stand next to Bud Wilkinson at an OU football practice at the University High gym. He was the definition of a die-hard Sooner fan for all of the OU sports teams.

Fred overcame health obstacles throughout his life, yet maintained an excellent sense of humor and positive attitude until his death. His family loved hearing his jokes, laughing with him, and getting his keen advice. His sharp wit made everyone who knew him laugh, including family, friends, and strangers. He was a kind and engaging man who cared deeply about the people he loved.

Fred was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and brother Bobby. He is survived by his wife Anita Fielden; daughter, Michelle Strain and her husband Shannon; his grandsons Will Sutherlin, Ryan Sutherlin, and Alex Strain; and extended family and friends.

We encourage those coming to the service to wear their favorite Sooner gear in honor of Fred.