H. Fred Barefoot

H. (Harry) Fred Barefoot (PAP) 94, formerly of Alum Bank, PA, died Saturday, February 22 in Arbutus Park Manor, Johnstown, PA. Fred was born in Alum Bank, PA on June 2, 1930. In 1949 he married the love of his life, Alma Leventry, and they were married for 69 years. They raised 4 children: Gail (Barefoot) Shaughnessy, Judy (Barefoot) Connelly (Chip), Thomas Fred Barefoot (Julie), and Rick Barefoot (Tina). They had 13 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren. Fred was preceded in death by beloved wife, Alma, his parents Harry Decker Barefoot and Elizabeth (Beckley) Barefoot, 3 sisters: Margaret (Barefoot) Blackburn, Ruthanna (Barefoot) Carson and Lucille Barefoot, a son-in­ law, Joseph Shaughnessy, and a daughter-in-law, Trudy (Weyant) Barefoot.

He was a real do-it yourselfer and could repair just about anything. Affectionally known as Pap, he began his work life as a dairy farmer. Fred was a jack of all trades. While farming, he also worked as a race car mechanic, an assistant to a local auctioneer, a horse farrier, and a furniture builder. He built three houses, including a vacation summer cottage. He repaired wrecked cars to provide cars for family and friends in need of a car. He was a substitute school bus driver and substitute mail carrier and started a milk hauling business - with one small pick-up and a refrigerated truck. In 1966 he stopped farming, sold the cows and Fred and Alma concentrated on building H. Fred Barefoot Trucking, Inc. Their business hauled milk for farms to Galliker's Dairy, in Johnstown, PA for 50 years. The company was later run by his son, Rick Barefoot and his wife Trudy. H. Fred Barefoot Trucking, now in its 3rd generation of family leadership, has moved away from milk hauling and is run by his grandson, Drew Barefoot. H. Fred Barefoot Trucking is now 22 trucks strong, hauling feed and a variety of cargo.

Pap retired from trucking at 62, when he and Alma bought a home in Florida and became "snowbirds". Fred became an avid golfer shooting his age two days after he turned 75. He proudly shot a hole-in-one five times. In Florida he became known for his leadership in caring for the golf course. He headed the "Do Crew" and quickly earned the title of "the strongest man they had ever seen" and "the person most likely to fix anything". Pap loved his family and was known for helping others. During retirement, Fred and Alma traveled the world, visiting family and enjoying new adventures.

Fred was the last founding member of the Alum Bank Volunteer Fire Department. He was also an original driver for the Chestnut Ridge Ambulance Association. He was recognized as the longest serving member on the Board of Directors for Arbutus Park Manor, Johnstown, the Board of Directors for the Grange in Bedford, PA, as well as served as the Secretary to the West St Clair Township Supervisors. He was a long-time member of the Alum Bank United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Masons. Fred's quick wit and ability to work a room will be greatly missed.

A Viewing and Visitation will be held on Friday, February 28th at 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Schellsburg, PA. A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 1st at 2:00 pm, also at Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes. A "Celebration of Life" Service where family, friends and community can come together and share their favorite "Fred stories" will be held on Saturday, March 29th at the Chestnut Ridge Independent Fellowship Church. The visitation will be at 2:00 pm, followed by the Service at 3:00 pm. A reception will follow the Service at the church, (486 Quaker Valley Rd, New Paris, PA 15554). The Rev. Daniel Oldham and Rev. Kelley Connelly will be officiating and celebrating a wonderful life and friend.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com/. Arrangements entrusted to Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Schellsburg, Pennsylvania.