Frederick William Church

Frederick "Fred" William Church, 86, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville.

Born December 5, 1937 in Gladewater, TX, he was the son of James Frederick and Ethie Janell (Wright) Church.

He earned a degree in accounting and began working for the U.S Department of Farmers Home Administration as a Branch Chief until his retirement.

Fred loved gospel music and formed the legendary group, "Fred Church and The Spirituals" in 1986. The group recorded 14 albums and traveled in their bus to many states, singing and ministering to over 1000 churches. In 2018, Fred was honored with a "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Mid-America Gospel Music Association. Fred was also one of the founders of River Church in Alton.

He was a devoted family man and married his wife, Barbara J. Wagner on May 22, 1960 in Grayville, IL. She died August 30, 2023.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Jennifer Church, who presently pastor River Church; four grandchildren, Isaiah, Destiny, Nicole, and Rylee Church; and sister, Gay Lynn Dickens in North Carolina.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; and five brothers.

Visitation will be from 5 pm until time of a Celebration of Life service at 7 pm on Tuesday, October 8 at River Church, 3401 Fosterburg Rd, Alton, IL. Pastor Martha Tennison will officiate.

Private interment will be in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials are suggested to "The Rock Youth" in care of River Church on online at: riverchurch.city.

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