Fred Futa

Final good-byes were given to Fred Yasuo Futa, 100, as he passed peacefully on April 23, 2019, surrounded by his immediate family. Fred was born a little over a century ago on November 16, 1918, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Miyo Sonoda and Masaki Futa. He graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1937 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. As a young man, he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and in the dry-cleaning business for Top Hat Cleaners in Cheyenne and also was involved in the dry cleaning business with his sister and brother-in-law in Menlo Park, California. Fred returned to college later to earn his pharmacy degree from the University of Wyoming, and he spent the majority of his career at the Indian Hill's branch of Roedel's Pharmacy where he was affectionately known as "Freddie the Pharmacist." He ended his working career as a custodian at the Wyoming Department of Transportation. He met a young California lady, Cameo Kasai, who was visiting for Cheyenne Frontier Days. They married on February 25, 1951, and recently celebrated their 68th anniversary. During his long life, Fred was an avid gardener, walker and Colorado Rockies fan, and his other passions included reading, music, fishing, mushroom hunting, golfing, and bowling. He was full of energy and was very active until age caught up with him, and he finally started slowing down in his mid-90s. Fred is survived by his wife, Cameo; his children, Menlo, Cora, Lisa, and Kimi (Weaver); grandchildren, Heather Menninga, Evan and Leah Weaver; great-grandchildren, Ren and Lincoln Menninga; as well as several nephews and nieces including Ricky and Larry Futa and Akira and Michiko Ogasawara. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, George, Chizu (Ogasawara), Tom, and Teru (Mikomi); and grandson, Ryan Spray. Fred will be remembered for his intelligence, optimism, kindness, patience, and goodness. He rarely had an unkind word to say about anyone or anything and was genuinely a gentleman and a gentle man. He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his family. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home. Much appreciation to the staff and volunteers at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and Meals on Wheels for their dedication and care.