Fred Sailor, a Nebraska native who got to Texas as soon as he discovered the warm weather here, passed away at the age of 73 on Saturday July 29, 2017 with his domestic partner, Eileen at his side, after succumbing to cancer. He was born September 3, 1943 to Dwight and Irene Sailor in Valentine, NE. He grew up in Beatrice, NE where he spent most of his school years with his siblings, Brenda, Ray and JoDee.

He joined the Marines in 1961 and was stationed in Twenty-nine Palms, CA and Okinawa, Japan. He served as a field artillery fire control man in the 3rd 8" howitzer battery where he obtained the rank of Corporal.

Fred worked for the municipality of Beatrice and Lincoln, NE before moving to Austin, TX where he worked as a supervisor for the City of Austin Water & Wastewater Utility for 23 years before retiring in 1998.

Fred enjoyed many different and diverse activities including bowling, "working" at Renaissance Fests, tinkering on old cars, trucks and motorcycles, and riding his beloved Harley-Davidson. Through these activities he met and made many good friends.
In 1990 he met his beloved partner, Eileen Ackerman, who together shared lots of fun times and lasting memories whether it be camping, riding Harleys with the "Tacky Light Motorcycle Gang", bowling on Thursday night league, working at Renaissance Fests or visiting and laughing with family and friends reliving the "old days".
They moved to Eileen's hometown of Blessing, TX in 2009 when she retired where they enjoyed a quieter life of fishing, gardening and renovating their home.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents Dwight Sailor and Irene Bower Sailor, brother Ray Sailor, nephews "Butch" Jenkin, Jr., Christopher Garcia and Brandon Hughes, brothers-in-law Ron Jenkin, Sr. and Larry Woods.

He is survived by his domestic partner of 24 years, Eileen Ackerman; sisters Brenda (John) Garcia, JoDee Woods and sister-in-law Marla Sailor.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Rhonda Penner, Jon Jenkin, Mike, Todd and Michelle(Lisa Morphis) Garcia; Jill Graves, Jamie (Chris) Sutton, Jeramie (Sis)Barlett, Jimmie (Jennifer Jocobi) Bartlett, Lacee(Seth) Gonzales; Shoni (Rob) Baxa, Jason Sailor, Kylee (Adam) Hohbein; and great nieces and nephews: Nolan (Rachel) Penner, Molly and Riley Jenkin, Josh (Megan) and Nikki Garcia; Bayleigh Graves, Brittnie (Rick) Joyner, Justin (Alisha) Hughes, Alainye Schumacher, Savannah and Brayden Bartlett, Seth and Luke Gonzales; Tyler and Delaney Baxa, Bailey and Ainsley Sailor, Kason Verden, Ellee and Saige Hohbein and 11 great-great nieces and nephews.

He considered Eileen's family as his own. He will be missed by her son, Dennis (Julie) Wesselman and their 2 daughters Erin and Lilli. Also, by Eileen's sister, Gale Rush and her family: Amy (Robert) and their sons Robert and Andrew Perez; Cari (T.J.) and their sons Tyler and Taylor Englehardt. As well as Wayne (Brenda) Ackerman and their family: Cody (Tim) Janssen and their children Kate (Nat) Longoria and James Steffek; and Abby Ackerman and her 2 children Riley and Reed.

A celebration of Fred's life will be held at Hawley Cemetery, Blessing, TX at 2 p.m. on August 12, 2017. Come prepared with memories and reflections and remember its August in Texas: dress comfortably!