Fred Lee Napier

Fred Lee Napier, Marshfield, formerly of Seymour, MO, was born February 5, 1942 in Seymour, MO to Pinkney Ashford and Susie (Cantrell) Napier. He departed this life on June 3, 2023 at the age of 81.

            He was known as a joker, prankster, and storyteller who loved to laugh and had a contagious smile. He was a Freewill Baptist preacher, who at an early age, answered the call to preach and was a pastor of four churches within the Webster county and Wright county area. He was bold in his witnessing to others, if you knew him, you knew he was a Godly man. He spent countless hours and days visiting  nursing homes, hospitals, and the homebound, talking about the Lord. He had a very humble Christ-like spirit. He was always the first to help any friend or family in need. He retired from Hutchens Steel Plant, Seymour. Fred will be laid to rest in Liberty Cemetery, one mile from the family home where he was born and raised, in a casket that was built for him by his grandson, Colton.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Lloyd “Samps” Napier, Clarence “Short” Napier, Dave Napier, Louisia Patty, Lena Cantrell, Mary Lou Hotson, and Eula Dewhirst.

            Fred is survived by the love of his life, Wanda, of the home, who he was united in marriage on July 5, 1961, 61+ years as best friends; two children, Butch Napier, Seymour, and Deena Loge and husband Frank, Nixa; four grandchildren, Derek Napier, Hollister, Alison LeValley, Reeds Spring, Colton Matney and Shantell, Branson, Drew Matney and Cieanne, Seymour; bonus additional grandchildren, Nathan Matney and Lindsey, Callie and Hadley, Rogersville, and Kristen Persinger, Springfield; Papa’s Great-Grand Little Gang, Cooper Bunch, Seymour, Ben, Owen, and Lincoln LeValley, Reeds Spring, Hadassah and Karis Matney, Branson, Kiara and Iris Matney, Seymour; two sisters, Geneva Bennett and Roy, Seymour, and Annie VanNess,  Seymour; “bonus children,” Danny and Becky Cottengim; and many other nephews, nieces, family, and friends.

            Funeral services for Fred Napier will be at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 8, in the chapel of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc, with interment following in Liberty Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, in the funeral home.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons, and left in care of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., P.O. Box 85, Marshfield, MO 65706.