Fred M. Gashel, 87, of Claysville PA, passed away on September 1, 2021, with family by his side in Washington Hospital after a serious two-week illness. He was born in Claysville on December 21, 1933, to the late Lee and Lillian Montgomery Gashel and resided in Donegal Township, Washington County his entire life.
Fred was a graduate of Claysville High School, class of 1952. As recently as last month, he attended the regular monthly luncheon with his classmates. He was employed in the family meatpacking business, producing award-winning lunch meats, cured ham, and bacon.
Fred was a baseball fan. As a young man, he played on the high school and other local teams. He was a Washington Wild Things season ticket holder for many years. Watching the construction of the stadium, he chose his seat on the first baseline in section 103. While he enjoyed a good game, socializing with other fans was a very significant part of attending games. Fred enjoyed reunions of any kind. It didn’t matter if it had been years, or he just saw you the day before, he was always glad to talk with you. Recently, breakfast with friends at the Main Street Café was the start of his daily routine.
Fred took great pride in making sure the yard at his family home was beautifully mowed. He enjoyed being outside in the fresh hilltop air and the smell of freshly cut grass. If his grass was longer than usual, the neighbors knew Fred was probably out of town visiting family or friends. Fred and his wife of 60 years made sure that they took time out of their busy work lives to travel to the other side of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Maryland to see their grandchildren in sporting events, band activities, plays, graduation, and any other important event in their grandchildren’s lives. When the first of the grandchildren were younger, Fred and Beverly would make an annual week-long tour to share all of their grandchildren’s Christmas joy. As the older grandchildren grew up and the younger grandchildren were born, the Christmas tradition changed to having Fred and Beverly spending the night a little closer to their home. Fred’s job was to see if he could catch Santa placing the presents under the tree. Fortunately, he never did catch Santa in action, as Fred always fell asleep on duty.
On June 11, 1961, Fred was united in marriage in the United Presbyterian Church of Claysville, PA, with Beverly Whiteman, who survives. Also, surviving are four daughters, Barb (Dale) Garst of Maryland, Beth (Jerry) Green of Pennsylvania, Patty Penland of North Carolina, Lori (Howard Jr.) Sampson Pennsylvania. Fred treasured each of his eight surviving grandchildren: Katie and Eli Garst, Jared and Josh Green, Lauren and Derek Penland, and Austin and Allison Sampson. Additionally surviving are two brothers, Ray Gashel of Claysville and Wilbur (Brenda) Gashel of Washington, brother-in-law Edward (Judy) Whiteman of Washington, and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by, two brothers, Kenneth and Louis Gashel, niece, Linda Gashel, nephew, Barry Gashel, and brother-in-law Gary Whiteman.
Friends and family will be received on Sunday, September 5, 2021, from 2 pm to 6 pm at Claysville United Presbyterian Church 134 Wayne St, Claysville, PA 15323. A Funeral Service will be officiated by Reverend Dr. Jerome Creach at the Presbyterian Church at 11 am on Monday, September 6, 2021. Burial to follow at Claysville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Claysville Fire Department 154 Main Street, Claysville, PA 15323, Claysville United Presbyterian Church 134 Wayne Street, Claysville, PA, or to a charity of your choice.
It is advised that anyone attending services wears a mask and/or face covering.
Arrangements are entrusted to Young Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 219 Main St. Claysville, PA 15323. (724) 663-7373 www.youngfhinc.com
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