FRED'S STORY
Fred was born February 1, 1942 to Joe and Vernice Funk of Denton, Texas. The place of his birth, the old Denton Hospital still stands on South Locust Street. He grew up in Denton and Argyle Texas and spent his school years at Texas State College for Women (now TWU), Denton Jr. High School, and he graduated from Denton High School in 1960. On August 24, 1960 he and Dana tied the knot at Cole Chapel, First Methodist Church in Denton, Texas. At that time their lifelong adventure began and still continues after fifty-seven years. They have three children, two girls and one boy. They are blessed with eight grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and one great-granddaughter. Fred and Dana both attended North Texas State College (now UNT), but after two semesters there, they transferred to East Texas State College so that he could pursue a pre-theology degree, a program not offered at NTSC. He minored in psychology. With their move to East Texas their adventures became more exciting as chronicled in his books, MINISTRY AND MOONSHINE, MOONSHINER'S REVENGE, and MOONSHINE MEMORIES. Fred had never even written a short story, but he thoroughly enjoyed telling his tales. As a member of Denton Noon Kiwanis Club he told his stories to numerous fellow members. One Monday evening the Kiwanis program chairman called and informed Fred that the guest speaker for the next day's meeting had canceled and she asked Fred if he would present a program telling the stories of his and Dana's adventures. The presentation was extremely well received and numerous members suggested that he should write a book. Not being a writer, Fred brushed off the idea. Several months later the program committee asked him to present another series of stories and he gladly agreed. After that presentation several Kiwanians urged Fred to write a book and one member in particular, Dr. Ray Stephens, retired professor of history, UNt, offered his help in an editing capacity. Fred started writing that afternoon. MINISTRY AND MOONSHINE was born. After serving several years as a local supply pastor in the Methodist Church, Fred switched his educational and career path to accounting and finance. He worked in that field with a large national retail furniture company for thirty-five years. In 1994 he took an early retirement due to health issues. He and Dana have lived the good life ever since. |