Frederic Lee Ingram

Frederic Lee Ingram, age 88, of Salem passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, December 16, 2019.  He was born on November 30, 1931 in Campbellsburg to the late Fred L. and Ruby F. (Rosenbaum) Ingram. Frederic grew up during the Great Depression and his family moved frequently to different homes around Campbellsburg, Bromer, and Bedford as his parents sought new economic opportunities.  Frederic graduated from Campbellsburg High School in 1949, and married his high school sweetheart and loving wife, Martha J. Chastain, on September 24, 1950.

Alongside his parents and grandfather, Frederic learned to farm with teams of horses and early tractors.   He continued to grain farm in Washington County with his new bride’s family, trying his hand at cattle and chickens before settling on a hog operation.  While everyone in the family helped with the farm, Frederic and his son, David, spent many hours working the farm together, even on weekends after David had left the farming business.  To complement the farming operation, Frederic established Ingram Trucking, which he operated for nearly 50 years.

In his later years, Frederic developed a newfound enthusiasm for food cultivation and preparation. He and Martha maintained a sizeable garden and shared their fresh and canned produce with friends and family. Frederic honed his skills barbecuing pork loins and spareribs and churned equally acclaimed homemade peach, strawberry, and vanilla ice cream. Frederic and Martha enjoyed entertaining and frequently hosted events for their extended families. Frederic told stories elevated by his wry sense of humor and entertained his grandchildren and great grandchildren by hauling them around in and on his farm equipment.

Frederic treasured music and provided a musical legacy for his children and grandchildren.  He and Martha ensured their children had musical training and instruments, and for several years, took the children to community churches to perform as a musical ensemble.  This appreciation of music was furthered by their attending southern gospel quartet hymn sings.

Frederic and Martha frequently socialized with their close group of friends during dinners out and vacations to Branson, Hawaii, Texas, and California.  Frederic found community as a member of Mt. Tabor Christian Church, where his quiet faith remained on display through his involvement with his bible study and seniors lunch group. Frederic’s calm confidence, thoughtfulness, and sincere affection toward his wife, family, and friends will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Martha J. (Chastain) Ingram; three daughters, Norma Sue (Stephen) Rodia of Portage, MI, Donna Collins of Salem, Sharon (Randy) Roberts of Campbellsburg, and a daughter-in-law, Wendy Daly of Louisville; twelve grandchildren, Carrie Ingram (Demetrius Clark), Adrienne Combs (Corey Baker), Stacia (Roger) Turnquist, Adam (Kate) Collins, Jessica (Levi) Barnett, Jennifer (Justin) Davidson, Paige (Justin) Holsapple, Ashley (Adam) Brown, Nicole Rodia (William Westrick), Landon (Lauren) Roberts, Greg (Allison) Daly and Jordan (Amanda) Daly; 17 great-grandchildren, Austin Ingram, Rylee, Kinzie and Jaxin Davidson, Hayden, Charlee and Leni Holsapple, William Brown, Kevin and Logan Turnquist, Hudson and Brooks Roberts,  Jordan and Natalie Baker, Lewis, Oliver and Elliott Daly; and numerous cousins.

Frederic was preceded in death by his parents, a son, David Ingram; a grandson, Jonathan Ingram; and a great-grandson, Kristian Turnquist.

The family will greet visitors at Weathers Funeral Home in Salem on Thursday, December 19 from 4 to 8 pm and on Friday, December 20 from 11 am to 1 pm at Mt. Tabor Christian Church, 7380 W. Mt. Tabor Rd, Salem. The funeral will be held on Friday, December 20 at 1 pm at Mt. Tabor Christian Church. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Salem.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of Frederic be made to the Mayo Clinic or Riley Children’s Hospital.  For Mayo, please visit philanthropy.mayoclinic.org or send a contribution to Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 and designate Hematology.   For Riley, please visit rileykids.org or send a contribution to Riley Children’s Foundation, 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN  46204.