Fredrick Jesse Harrell

Fredrick Jesse Harrell, 71, Lawrence, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Medical Lodges of Eudora. Fred lived his final year and a half at Medical Lodges, where he received excellent care and was well liked.

He was born November 13, 1953, in Lawrence, Kansas to Henry Ford Harrell and Opal Jeanette (Wiley) Harrell.

Fred and his three brothers were raised in Lawrence by their grandparents, Lemuel and Grace Wiley. He graduated from Lawrence High School and after high school worked as a custodian at The University of Kansas until 1982. Fred then worked in a variety of other capacities on campus, including Oliver Hall Housing, SAE fraternity, and Mrs. E’s cafeteria.

In 2001, following his grandparents’ deaths, Fred connected with Cottonwood, Incorporated. Fred was supported in his home, his work, his retirement and leisure, and with his community-based health care until his significant health decline in 2023.

Fred was a very endearing person who always had a twinkle in his eye and a wickedly funny comment ready to go. Fred loved:
• Going fishing, going out to eat, especially pizza and Chinese buffets
• Going shopping, to the movies, watching sporting events, ball games, wrestling etc.
• Sleeping until mid-morning on the weekends
• Working on artwork projects including rock carvings
• Going on long walks around his neighborhood (Fred was a fervent believer in “reusing” found items and was an avid visitor to neighborhood dumpsters and curbsides. The annual apartment turnover was a particularly good time to find treasures.)
• Traveling! Fred visited many cities thanks to Lawrence Parks and Recreation’s Unified Recreation service (formerly Special Populations). His fellow travelers have many stories of Fred’s love of travel and occasional single-minded pursuits (Fred sometimes left the group behind, causing a few panicked moments until he was tracked down and reunited).
• Fred greatly enjoyed gardening and spent a considerable amount of time in his grandparents’ large garden.

Fred was a very jovial fellow and enjoyed talking and laughing with many friends. His boisterous laughter will be greatly missed.

Survivors include two brothers Jeff and Tim Harrell, and many good friends from Cottonwood, Inc.

Cremation is planned and ashes will be buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. A celebration of life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cottonwood, Inc. at cwood.org.