Fredrick Ralph Escott, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2013, at Mercy Hospital with family by his side. A celebration of Fred’s life was held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at the First Christian Church in El Reno, OK.
Fred was born in Fort Smith, Oklahoma to Ralph and Aline Escott. Fred spent his youth in Cushing living with his aunt and uncle, Lloyd and Mildred Escott. Fred graduated from Cushing High School in 1946. Fred married the love of his life, Juanita Wagle in Cushing.
Fred’s love of aviation began at an early age when he made his own wings and attempted to fly off a barn breaking his leg. After observing a pilot in a private plane while working at this first job for an oil company, he bought a one-seated plane and taught himself to fly. Fred’s official career in aviation began as a crop duster and evolved into a lifetime passion of inventing and improving airplane parts as well as collecting and rebuilding planes. His greatest passion in his final years was his addition of a jet engine to a Cushman motor scooter. Fred once made the comment that he would be the “only one riding a jet powered Cushman into heaven.”
Fred enjoyed nature and never missed a day feeding the birds and squirrels in his back yard. His greatest love of all, however, was his time spent with his grandchildren.
Fred is survived by his childen and their spouses, Rick and Kyra Escott of El Reno, Deborah and Tom Slavik of Yukon, and Barbie and Michael John of San Francisco. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Also “Cushing cousins” Claire Gatewood, Janet Reasor, Jane Rogers and Harry Escott.
Fred’s unselfish spirit and kindness to those less fortunate set an example for his family and friends. His sense of humor was always present and has been passed on to his future generations with colorful stories and sayings, his favorite farewell: “See you in the funny papers.”
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