Obituary of Fred Douglas Bedford

Fred Douglas Bedford was born on February 15, 1931 in Austin, Texas. He was the only child born from the union of the late Fred D. and Elizabeth Ann (Duncan) Bedford Sr.  Fred attended Anderson High School in Texas, completing only 10th grade before leaving to enlist in the United States Army in 1949. He was stationed in Germany for one year earning his GED.   Fred was deployed to Korea and Vietnam where he saw combat.   He retired in 1969 after twenty years of honorable service.

Fred married the former, Jessie Mae Johnson in 1961.   He loved and cared for his wife until her death in 2000.  Although, Fred did not have children from this union, he came to love his nieces and nephews as his own. The couple lived a happy life while growing in faith together. He was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Carl Curry was his Pastor. Fred was a prayer warrior and often read his Bible to keep a close relationship with his Lord and Savior.  

In 1970, Fred became a Sheriff Deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff Department, and in doing so, became the first African-American Deputy in the department’s history. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.  He retired from the department in 1993 after 23 years.

Fred lived a private life, but enjoyed sharing conversations with anyone he met. He was quite memorable for his tall stature, but was often remembered for his gentle spirit, and big, warm heart. Fred was always willing to lend a helping hand at the drop of a hat. He helped all who came to him in need.

Fred D. Bedford became a Master Mason member of Tuscan Lodge No. 27 Prince Hall Affiliation (PHA) in Monroe, Michigan in 1973. He was a member until December 1994 before transferring to St. Nicholas Lodge No. 12 (PHA) in Jackson, Michigan.   While a member of Tuscan he served his lodge as Junior Warden, Senior Warden and Worshipful Master. He was also an active member of Peninsular Consistory No.44, The United Council Supreme Council and Michigan Commander of the Rite 33 o Mason, and Al Ashraf Temple No. 167 Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Noble Mystic Shrine until his health began to fail.

Fred Douglas Bedford Jr., age 86, of Monroe passed away in the Emergency Department of ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital at 5:26pm on Thursday, June 15, 2017.   In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by his beloved wife:  Jessie Mae Bedford, his mother-in-law:  Cora Johnson, his brother-in law:  Samuel Johnson, and his beloved cousin, whom he loved as a brother: Elzie L. Evans, Jr. of California.

To cherish his memory, Fred is survived by his brother and sister-in-law: Willie and Ernestine Johnson of Monroe; a cousin, Hallie Bell of Austin Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends may gather on Thursday, June 22, 2017 from 12:00pm until 1:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070.   A Homegoing Celebration will follow at 1:00pm also at Merkle’s with the Reverend Carl Curry officiating.   Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

Memorial donations may be made to Second Missionary Baptist Church.   Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.