Fred J. Ely

Fred J. Ely, 63, of State Route 12, husband of Marlene A. Ely, passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 2, 2007, at Lewis County General Hospital, Lowville. Fred was born August 12, 1943 in Carthage, a son of Floyd S. and Thelma J. Smith Ely. He attended Copenhagen schools, enlisting in the U. S. Army in 1960. During his enlistment he served in Germany with an Engineering Battalion, and worked on large trucks. After his honorable discharge in 1963 he moved to Carthage, working at Walsmanï¿(TM)s Garage as a mechanic and salesman. Fred than was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Delia Construction. In 1980 he began his career with Lewis County Sheriffï¿(TM)s Department, retiring in 2002 as a Sergeant/Assistant Worden. On September 18, 1965 he was united in marriage with Marlene A. Bechard in Carthage, where they lived until 1967 when they moved to Port Leyden. Fred loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He greatly enjoyed working on auto body, mechanics and electronics. He was a licensed electrician. Fred was an accomplished guitar player and was a member of the "Over the Hill Boys" band, playing the steel guitar. In addition to his wife, Marlene, he is survived by four sons: Frederick J. Ely, Jr. of Centerville, Michael S. Ely and wife Cheri of Boonville, Jeffrey W. Ely and fianc Janine Green of Scio, and James S. Ely and companion Tonya Manning of Port Leyden; two daughters: Mrs. Craig (Tammy) Jenks of Boonville, and Mrs. Peter ( Jeanette) Gilbert of Port Leyden; eighteen grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one uncle; one aunt; and four nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Ely, and by a sister, Shirley Corey. Also surviving are two sister-in-laws: Mrs. Robert (Yolanda) Phillips of Carthage and Mrs. Wayne (Andrea) Moody of Deer River; and three brother-in-laws: Gary and wife Virginia Bechard of Beacon, Andrew and wife Colleen Bechard of Port Leyden, and Daniel and wife Dawn Bechard of Champlain. The funeral service for Fred will be at 8:00 pm Tuesday at the Trainor Funeral Home, 143 Schuyler St., Boonville, with Pastor Dan Tabolt, of Abundant Life Fellowship, Boonville, officiating. Interment will be in the spring in Riverside Cemetery, Copenhagen. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the J.S. Koster Hose Co. (Port Leyden Fire Dept.), Port Leyden, NY 13433, or to St. Judeï¿(TM)s Childrenï¿(TM)s Research Hosp., 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.