Fred Louis Bader, 80, of Franklin, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2013.

Born in Cleveland, OH, he was the son of the late Henry George Bader and Mary Ponstingle Bader. Fred was raised on a farm in Brookpark, OH and started farming at the age of 12. He graduated from Berea High School and joined the military afterwards, where he served in Korea from 1953 – 1955 as a tank driver. On June 9, 1956, he married his beloved wife, Rita and spent 57 wonderful years with her. Fred worked as a finish carpenter all of his adult life and built his first home in Ohio. He and his family moved to St. Petersburg, FL in 1973 and in 1995, Fred retired to his much loved home in the mountains of Franklin, NC. The last years of his life were spent building small furniture and birdhouses and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, all whom he loved immensely. Fred was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church.

In addition to his wife, Rita, he is survived by two daughters, Maribeth Bader Tiller and husband Dan of Franklin and Annette Grundon and husband John of St. Petersburg, FL; son, Dan Bader of Franklin; brother, Charles H. Bader of Simi Valley, CA; six grandchildren, Jeremiah, Anthony, Carson, Chase, Camryn and Madison and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 21st, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Steve Reeves will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial donations can be made to Macon County Senior Center for Congregate Meals.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com