Frederick Rew Willkie

Frederick Rew Willkie (Lt Col), age 86, was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Born on February 14, 1939, and raised on a farm in Bluemont, Virginia, Fred was taught strong values and a love for learning. He graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1957 and earned a BA degree with a double major in Business Administration and Mathematics from Greensboro College in 1962. GC was where he met the love of his life, Thelma Jean Williams, and they married on June 4, 1960, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned 65 years. Together, they lovingly raised their daughter, Elizabeth.

Lt Col Willkie proudly served his country for over 30 years in the United States Air Force. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal for his contribution as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer traveling throughout South Vietnam and Thailand during the Vietnam War. Alongside his military career, Fred served his community as a small business owner for more than four decades.

He enjoyed sharing memories of his childhood on the family farm with Angus cattle, and his experiences working on KC-135s and B-52s in the Air Force. Fred was known for his kind and gentle spirit, his deep love for his family, his passion for reading, and his lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Everett Willkie and Faye Elizabeth Hollingsworth; his brother, Edward Willkie; and his sister, Betty Shaw. He is survived by his devoted wife, Thelma; his daughter, Elizabeth Tew (Grant); and three cherished grandchildren: Julie Shannon (Andrew), Jamie Lindsted (Casey), and Geoffrey Tew.

All friends and family are welcome to join us for the memorial service held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Reflection Pointe Funeral Home, 3201 S. Webb Rd., Wichita, KS 67210.