AVA - Fred Joseph Phoenix, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 26, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on July 13, 1947, he was the son of Fred Andrew and Josephine Phoenix.

Fred was drafted into the United States Army immediately after his high school graduation in 1966. He served in Vietnam from October 15, 1967 to August 15, 1968, where he received the Bronze Star for saving the life of Major Crotty. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on November 27, 1972.

Upon his return home, Fred married the love of his life on November 1, 1969. Together they raised four children: Joseph Corey, Tracy, Jaime, and Fred Jeremy. Fred worked for Glen Bower Trucking before beginning a long career with the State of Illinois (Department of Transportation/Corrections), retiring after 32 years as a highway maintainer and silk-screen operator. He also served his community as the clerk of Ora Township for several years and as a Jackson County Board member for two terms.

Fred cherished every moment spent with family and friends, and he truly never met a stranger. He loved life on his farm, where he raised cattle, and took great joy in hunting, fishing, traveling, riding motorcycles, restoring old trucks, and simply being in the great outdoors. He also loved working with his hands—whether carpentry, flipping houses, or building them from the ground up.

Fred's faith was also deeply personal; he was baptized on his farm, in his own pond, by his best friend, Bobby Carpenter. He was a generous man with a heart as big as the world around him. Fred helped countless neighbors and friends, always offering a place to stay to those who needed one. He would even pick up hitchhikers, never wanting to leave anyone helpless. Fred was remembered as a tireless worker who never stopped giving his all, right up to his last day.

Patriotism ran deep in his blood, and he had a profound love for his country. One of the proudest moments of his later years was being welcomed home on the Veteran's Honor Flight of Southern Illinois on September 16, 2025—a celebration he cherished deeply. This was the welcome home he had waited for over 57 years.

Fred leaves behind a legacy of family, love, strength, and deep gratitude. He was the unwavering, tireless leader of his family. He loved his family fiercely and unconditionally. He will be terribly missed, but all who knew him are forever grateful to have shared in his remarkable story.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Esther; his children, Joseph Corey Phoenix (Alyssa), Tracy Jo Cheatham (Jimmie), Jaime Lyn Huppert (Jack), and Fred Jeremy Phoenix (Brianne); and his grandchildren: Brandon, Cole, Logan, Alayna, Landon, Kealey, Kinsley, Raylan, Josephine, JW, and Janell. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Bryer, Braxton, Karsyn, Norah, Gunner, Robert, Colt, Julia, Lyle, and Marie; and bonus granddaughters, Lucy and Sylvie.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law Robert (Patricia) Phoenix, Edward (Barbara) Phoenix, Raymond (Jeanne) Phoenix, Roy (Joan) Phoenix, Deflain Phoenix, Barbara Phoenix, Ruby Pulcher, Janet (David) Stein, and Donna Johnson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Josephine Phoenix; his parents-in-law, Clarence and Mildred Pulcher; his brothers Irvin and Dean Phoenix; and his brothers-in-law David Pulcher and Dennis Johnson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, 11:00 am at Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava with Craig Phoenix officiating. Burial to follow at Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, then 7:30 am til the time of service on Monday. Memorials may be made to: Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois or Ava Food Pantry and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62288.