Frederick “Fred” Earl McCreary, Jr., 82, of Baldwin City, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. A celebration of his life will be held on April 11, 2026, at New Life Assembly in Baldwin City, KS. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with services following at 11:00 a.m.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2026 at Norton City Cemetery in Norton, Kansas.
Fred was born on April 25, 1943, in Norton, Kansas, to Frederick Earl McCreary, Sr. and Ivalee (Miller) McCreary. A lifelong student, he graduated from Kansas State University, earned his teaching certificate from Kansas Wesleyan University, and completed several military NCO schools.
In May 1966, Fred answered the call to serve his country by joining the National Guard. He served honorably for more than 24 years. During his final six years, he worked full-time as a retention sergeant with the National Guard in Ottawa, KS, retiring in December 1990 with the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC). Fred also served his community as “Education’s Sixth Man,” enjoying his years as a substitute teacher in the Lawrence, Gardner, and Baldwin school districts.
On May 23, 1969, Fred married the love of his life, Mary Seusy, in Salina, Kansas. They shared more than 56 years of marriage. Fred and Mary made music together with local choirs, participated in melodramas, community plays and musicals. Together they danced with the Ottawa Promenaders. He also enjoyed supporting local sports teams, woodworking, traveling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He remained an active member of American Legion Post 228 in Baldwin City.
Fred is survived by his wife, Mary Seusy; three children: son Bryce McCreary, his wife, Julie, and their children Alec, Emma, and Maya of Lakeland, Tennessee; daughter Sarah McCune and her children Grady and Marley of Lawrence, Kansas; daughter Ruthanne Smith, her husband, Chad, and their son Bryce of Kansas City, Missouri; sister-in-law Noelle Schechter, her husband, Orvis, and their children Brent Schechter, Suzanne Schechter, Joshua Schecter, and Bonnie Longnecker of Joshua, Texas; sister-in-law Karen McCreary-Alderman, her husband, Kent, and their children David and Andrew of Salt Lake City, Utah; and brother William McCreary of Salt Lake City, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Abba House or New Life Assembly.
Pat and I have known Fred since high school and even earlier. We all three went to the Norton Community schools, Norton, KS., with Fred. He was always the life of the party. He loved people and was always smiling. Prayers to Mary and his family. May he rest in peace.
I am so sad to hear of Fred’s passing. I went to HS with Ruthanne, and I will always remember him being on the sidelines during track season cheering us on. Hugs to the family.
Mary and family,
I am so sorry for your earthly loss, but Heaven is rejoicing by Fred’s homecoming. Hallelujah! Prayers for comfort my friend.
Mary, I am sorry to to hear of your husband’s passing. I knew he had been struggling for a long while. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.