Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
98 W. Main St.
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419.663.4513
Fax: 419.663.6809
Cell Phone: 419.663.3504
Email: wehfh@eastmanfuneralhome.com
Website: https://www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/norwalk
View All Obituaries from Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
Frederick J. "Fritz the Clown" Stanford, 84, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away Thursday, December 21, 2017 in the Stein Hospice Inpatient Unit, Sandusky, Ohio.
He was born January 23, 1933 in Norwalk, Ohio, to the late Leslie L. and Mabel M. (Salabank) Stanford, and was a lifelong area resident.
Fred was a 1951 graduate of Norwalk High School, and attended Oberlin Business College. He was a member of the Norwalk First United Methodist Church, and was a 60 year member and past master of Mt. Vernon Lodge #64, Norwalk, Ohio. Fred was well known as "Fritz the Clown" and had been clowning since 1961. He was a member of the Clown Club of North West Ohio. Fred was a former member of the Shoe String Players, and was a former usher at the Norwalk Theatre.
In his youth he worked at the Isaly's Ice Cream Shop, and had also worked at Fanny Farmer Candy Company, the Norwalk Reflector, and was a crossing guard for the Norwalk Police Department.
Fred enjoyed Norwalk history, Ohio State Football, and Norwalk and St. Paul High School Football.
He is survived by his children, Martha Ann (Jerry) Perry of Norwalk, Ohio, and Mark L. Stanford of Norwalk, Ohio, by 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, and 8 step great grandchildren.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth E. Stanford in 2009, by his sister, Margaret Hazelwood, by his step sister, Francis Joseph, and by a step grandchild.
Friends may call on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Walker Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Norwalk First United Methodist Church, 60 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio. Rev. Dr. Brian Oglesbee will officiate. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Norwalk First United Methodist Church, or to Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.
Online condolences may be made by going to www.edwalkerfuneralhome.com.
