Fred Macias

Fred "Freddie" Macias was an honorable, well respected, and lovingly affectionate man. 

Born Federico Macias  on June 30^th, 1937, to Ramona and Bernardino Macias in El Paso, Texas, he shared his young life with his five sisters, Maura, Cecilia, Martha, Rachel, and Terri. He was a bright young man with good grades and a successful football career at Stephen F. Austin H.S. where he met Linda Lou LaFon at 16 years old. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 1953 and transferred to the U.S. Airforce in 1954. He and Linda married on March 24th, 1955, and their young family moved around the country during his military career. Fred worked on instrument panel radar and circuit board technology for B52 bomber aircraft carriers and was honorably discharged in 1963 as an Airman First Class. He and Linda adored and raised three daughters, Cindy Lee Kean, Kathryn (Kitty) Macias Rousseau , and Kelli Marie Heimbigner. They settled in Yorba Linda, California after living in Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and New Jersey. Fred and Linda enjoyed 56 years of marriage until her passing in 2011.  

His experience in the military led him to build an extensive post-military career in print circuit board electronics for D.O.D. and NASA contracted manufacturing companies over a 45 year span. He traveled across the U.S. and to Hong Kong to facilitate quality control at several plants, published articles in several technology periodicals, and was brought out of retirement to work locally for L3 Communications. His life's work is a large part of the legacy he leaves behind as he contributed to the development of several modern advances in U.S. Defense technology. 

Fred loved God and believed in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He attended church regularly at Church of the Valley, Rowland Heights, Evangelical Free, Yorba Linda, and Calvary Christian Church, Yorba Linda. He was baptized at East Hills Baptist Church (Brea Baptist) in 1989, now known as Crosspointe Brea, where he has been an active member for 35 years. A dedicated part of the church body, Fred served on the missions team, participated in drama and choir, AWANA’s, served as the director of Ushers, hosted many Bible study groups and baptisms at his home over the years, and was honored to serve as a Deacon. 

He married his wife, Sharon Kay Ricely, on January 26th, 2013 and they shared 11 years of marriage together creating many memories with their families, church family, and best friends.  Fred was an influential man that led his family by example with high integrity and strong character. He loved his family fiercely with unconditional and relentless love. He was loved by his friends and church family members and highly respected by his colleagues. An avid football fan from Texas, his lifetime loyalty was with America’s football team, the Dallas Cowboys. He was a published writer, an artist, and loved lively Country and Be-bop music and dancing the Two Step and the Jitterbug. He laughed loudly and loved jokes. Fred was very proud of his children and grandchildren who he lovingly referred to as his “chickens.” He enjoyed many accomplishments in his lifetime and living a life of purpose filled with joy. 

Fred passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife Sharon, sisters Martha and Terri, daughters Cindy and Kitty, 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He will be remembered as the catalyst of great change and opportunity for success in all of our lives. He celebrated our wins and consoled us in our losses. We loved him dearly and our hearts are shattered that he is no longer here with us - leaving a void that is irreplaceable. He will always be our "Superman."  

Like him, we believe in the promise of eternity through Jesus Christ and we look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.