Fred David Book

Fred David Book, 73, of Miles, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in San Angelo. The rosary will be 6:30 P.M., Thursday and Funeral Mass will be 3:00 P.M., Friday, April 21, 2023 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Miles, TX. The burial will follow at Miles Cemetery, and all of Freddy’s friends are invited to join the family at the ensuing BBQ being held at the Miles Young Farmers Show Complex.

Fred was born to Felix and Anita Book on September 10, 1949, in San Angelo, Texas. He married Vivian Corrine Griffin on April 7th, 1979 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law John Sferes, brother-in-law John Wilde, and nephew Paul Book.

Fred was a lifelong farmer and rancher growing up on the Book family farm north of San Angelo and moved to Miles in 1979. During the Vietnam Conflict, Fred served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard. Throughout his life, Fred farmed and ranched in Tom Green, Runnels, and McCulloch County. Fred was active in the farming community all over the Concho Valley participating in numerous benefits over the years as an auctioneer and spotter. When it came time for the community to return the favor to Fred for his heart transplant in 2001, the family was overwhelmed by all of the support showered upon them.

Raised on the farm in a family of 10 children, Fred was part of a tight knit group of siblings that learned how to keep each other company for the rest of their lives. All of Fred’s siblings knew that if they wanted to create mischief, Fred and his smile would have to be included.

He was an active player in daily domino games, card games, and any other random games of skill, winning multiple championships over the years. Through the years Fred enjoyed spending time with his family and was especially entertained when life dealt him a second round of grandkids almost a decade after the first round. All who met Fred will recall his signature grin that led to making friends everywhere he went. Fred’s grin was such an indelible feature that the signature smirk would even cause him trouble with the nuns at Sacred Heart Catholic School and drill instructors during basic training.

Fred is survived by Vivian, his wife of forty-four years; his children, Kendra Gully, of Miles, Anita and Shawn Poynor, of San Angelo, Neal and Ana Book, of Laredo; his grandchildren, Kory Gully, Carolynn Eichler, David Poynor, Dylan Poynor, Kenedee Gully, Kash Gray, Barrett Book, Evelyn Poynor, and Brady Book.

He is also survived by nine siblings, John and Nancy Book of Miles, Donnie and Diane Book of Plainview, Michael and Tina Book of San Angelo, Pat and Mike Addison of Bronte, Paula and Bill Rose of Lubbock, Betty Jo Wilde of Wall, Marian and James Seidenberger of San Angelo, Cecil and Stella Book of Miles, and Roy and Chris Book of San Angelo; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his many other domino and card playing buddies.

Pallbearers will be Kory Gully, David Poynor, Dylan Poynor, Kyle Book, Casey McCartney, and Max Kerley

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the building fund for St. Thomas Catholic Church in Miles, TX.