Manfred Beth, known to his loved ones as Fred, passed away at home in Nixa, MO, on August 24, 2018. Fred Beth was born in Miswalde, Prussia, in 1943. His parents, Anny and Emil Max Beth, were longtime restaurateurs. The family emigrated to the US in 1959, settling in Beverly Hills, CA. As a teenager, Fred spent many hours helping his parents with restaurant work after school. He loved his newly adopted country and enlisted in the Army immediately after graduating from high school in June 1963. While in the military, he became a skilled sharpshooter. In 1969, his enlistment ended, and Fred entered the workforce. He worked as a mechanic for GTE from 1969 until his retirement in 1998.  Fred was proud to become a naturalized US citizen in 1981. At work, Fred met Michelle Melinda Friedman, who he married in 1970. They settled in La Habra, CA, until her death in 1999.  In 2003, he moved to MO. During his retirement years, Fred enjoyed creating unique works of art from ordinary household objects such as metal utensils.  His workshop was a haven, full of extraordinary figures such as Don Quixote and whimsical birds. Fred was an avid fan of old movies and great comedians, especially the legendary Jack Benny. He became an administrator for the Jack Benny Fans Facebook page and made many friends there, delighting them with his clever Photoshop creations and knowledge of old-time radio. In 2015, he created a small private subgroup whose sole purpose was to make each other laugh. Fred was beloved by these friends, who talked to him online nearly every day.A member of the Worms Germany Military Group on Facebook, Fred enjoyed keeping up with old friends and reminiscing about the city he came to love.  In 2017 he fulfilled a longtime dream by taking a trip back to Germany to meet old friends and visit old haunts. Fred had hoped to make the trip again this fall.

Our beloved Fred was laid to rest on August 29th at Missouri Veterans Cemetery complete with full Military Honors performed in absolute perfection by the local Veterans Administration.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rescue One in Springfield Missouri.
God's speed, Dr. Frankenbeth!

Until we meet again!