By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
FRED ALVAN OZBIRN
c23623 1
FRED ALVAN OZBIRN With his great nephew Mark Ozbirn at his side, Fred Alvan Ozbirn, 91, passed away

With his great nephew Mark Ozbirn at his side, Fred Alvan Ozbirn, 91, passed away
on March 12, 2015 and slipped into the loving embrace of his Father in Heaven and into the arms of his awaiting loved ones. Snuggled nearby, and remaining by his side was Fred’s constant companion, his treasured loyal Chihuahua and best friend “Baby.”
An Oklahoma native, Fred was born on December 7, 1923 to Forest “Pops” Ozbirn and Ella Carner Ozbirn. While living in Texas and at the tender age of four, Fred’s mother tragically passed. After his mother’s passing, Fred spent his childhood years in the home and under the loving care of his elder brother Leo and his wife Agnes. Forever grateful, Fred expressed his sincere gratitude and credited them for teaching him so many important life skills. Eventually Fred and family members made their way to Oakdale, California where he graduated from Oakdale High School. Rising to the call of duty, Fred enlisted in the military in 1943 and honorably served in the Army Air Force during WWII. Upon completion of his military service, Fred returned home to California, married his sweetheart Gladys, and together they created a home and family, residing primarily in Modesto and having one son, Steven.
Fred worked as a Millwright for many years and retired from EJ Gallo Wineries. He was a master craftsman and enjoyed the many home improvement projects he engaged in. Fred was an accomplished golfer. His passion, skills and talent earned him several titles and awards. He enjoyed playing on many greens, his favorite being Pebble Beach. Fred also enjoyed fishing and often referred to the special people in his life as “keepers.” Fred spent his retirement years with his longtime sweetheart Alice, and they enjoyed traveling to places of interest within the United States and abroad. With each place he visited, he appreciated the beauty of this world in which he lived. Fred loved his family and held dear to the memories of family times together, especially reunions spent at the lake. A true gentleman, Fred valued patriotism, honesty, integrity, hard work, self-discipline, independence, kindness, sincerity and gratitude. Fred was preceded in death by his wife. Gladys Young Ozbirn, son Steven Ozbirn, mother Ella Ozbirn, father Forest Ozbirn, and siblings; Leo C. Ozbirn, Lester Ozbirn, Debs Ozbirn and Cora Ozbirn. He is survived by his elder sister Opal Matt, and many nieces and nephews who will miss his gentlemanly manners, his charismatic smile, his wit and charm, and his humble and simple faith. Long lasting will be his legacy of perseverance through trials and his strength and courage to endure to the end with dignity, gratitude and faith.
Visitation and viewing will be held Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, 830 West “F’ Street, Oakdale, California. A 10:00 a.m. morning Graveside service will be held on Monday, March 23, 2015 at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, California.  
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356
The Oakdale(Calif.) Leader
March 18, 2015