Obituary of Fred Richard Edmister

Age 77, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2017 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Fred was born in Elmira, son of the late Fred Raymond and Leona (Gardner) Edmister. He was predeceased by daughter Katherine Edmister Mehraban and several loving brothers and sisters. Fred married Jane Affeldt, the love of his life, on October 12, 1963. In addition to Jane, Fred is survived by son and daughter-in-law, John G. and Gina Edmister of Elmira with children Jessica, Emileigh-Sue and Haileigh; daughter Beth Edmister DeFalco of Yonkers with son Anthony (Rachael); son Fred (Heidi Moffitt) Edmister of Wisconsin and his children Adam, Lisa and Alicia; Katherine's son Jared Mehraban; several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Fred was a U.S. Marine serving from 1959 to 1963. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves serving for 18 years. Fred worked for Anchor Glass retiring to become a United Methodist pastor because he loved helping people. He served as pastor at several United Methodist Churches over a period of 10 years. He was involved with the Boy Scouts and the Wranglers Drill Team/Drum Corps. He was an avid camper, loved fishing, canoeing and traveling when his children were young. Later in life Fred and Jane traveled to Guatemala and to South Africa for missionary work. They also enjoyed cruises to the tropics. Fred was generous to so many, often surprising people in line at shops by paying part or all of their purchases. Fred embraced life and spending time with family is what he treasured most. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, Saturday, December 30, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A funeral service, conducted by Fred's good friend, Pastor Chip Possee, will follow at 1:15 p.m. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at Webbs Mills Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Fred with a donation to either, the Falck Cancer Center, 600 Roe Ave., Elmira NY 14905, Millerton United Methodist Church Food Pantry, Route 328, Millerton PA 16936, or the Elmira Animal Shelter, 842 Linden Place, Elmira NY 14901.