February 15, 1957 – November 9, 2023
Frederick “Fred” Kinkead, 66, Sheridan, passed away surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, November 9, 2023, in Noblesville. He was born on February 15, 1957, to the late Frederick and Julia (Rich) Kinkead in Lebanon, Ind.
Fred and Shirley met for the first time in first grade, and Fred would say that Shirley was his girlfriend. Shirley moved away and several years later she moved back. Her friend re-introduced them, but this time Fred had to be persistent, and Shirley finally agreed to go out on a date with him. After dating for a while, they were married on April 4, 1975, and they have shared 48 years with each other. He would tell everyone that he found her in first grade and her southern accent is what drew him to her.
Fred worked for the Car Clinic in Westfield. After working there, he then worked for the Foundry in Noblesville. He finally found his home at Westfield Steel where he worked as a machine operator for 32 years.
At an early age, Fred developed a love for anything that went fast. He would drag race with his friends and race motorcycles in Hortonville well into his adult life. It was not surprising that he loved NASCAR, and he was an avid Jeff Gordon fan, always cheering for number 24. He also enjoyed racing remote control cars and he would compete his cars in races in Kokomo. He looked forward to riding his four-wheeler, which he gifted to his great-grandson.
The most important thing to him was his family; he and Shirley looked forward to camping at River Bend Campground for 24 years. They never missed a weekend. He spent time with his family and making memories fishing, boating, and going on spring breaks in Ft. Myers, Fla. Shirley said after the kids grew up, instead of driving to Ft. Myers they decided to start flying.
Fred’s family said he loved tinkering with stuff, and he would never hire anyone – he insisted on fixing everything himself. Fred was a member of the Noblesville Eagles 450.
He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Shirley; their three children, Melissa Stern, Kimberly Jones (Mike Redstone), and Rodney Kinkead. He was a loving grandfather to Paige (Jared) Popejoy, Brenden (Rebecca) Jones, Jada Neff, Taylor Stern, Blake Jones, Kara Jones, Elijah Kinkead, and Isaiah Kinkead. He was a proud great-grandfather to Dutton Popejoy and Charlee Jones. He also leaves behind his siblings, Barb Roberts, Kathy (Brian) Goodnight, and Robbie (Michelle) Kinkead.
Calling will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Fisher Family Funeral Services, 508 E. 6th St., Sheridan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sheridan American Legion Post 67, 406 E. 10th St., Sheridan, IN 46069, where Fred is a member of Sons of the Legion.
Everyone is invited to sign the online guestbook, leave a condolence, or share a memory at fisherfunerals.com. Fisher Family Funeral Services is honored to serve the Kinkead Family.