Fred Phelps, Jr

Fred Phelps, Jr., 76, of Mt. Vernon, IN, died Saturday afternoon, June 13, 2009 at his home. He was born on September 20, 1932 in Mt. Vernon, IN, the son of Fred and Mary H. (Effinger) Phelps. He married Bertha Mae Douthitt and she survives.


Mr. Phelps retired in 1991 from Indiana Laborers Local 561 where he was employed by Bauer Brothers and Industrial Contractors. He was a member of the union for 55 years. He was a member of the Army National Guard of Indiana as a Sergeant with Battery B 163rd Field Artillary Battalion from 1949-1955. He was a past member of the American Legion.


He is survived by his wife, Bertha; one son and daughter-in-law, Thomas Lee and Sandra Phelps of Mt. Vernon; one granddaughter, Shelby Lynn Phelps; one grandson, Jordan Thomas Phelps; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Rozanna Bryant, Betty and Robert Lewis and Carolyn Sue Tinsley all of Mt. Vernon; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, William Phelps and four sisters, Lorene Reeves, Mary Catherine Garrett, Imogene Utley and Marjorie Turner.


Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at the Austin-Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, with burial in Bellefontaine Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Owen-Dunn Post #5. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2009 at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be left at www.austinfuneralhome.com.