M. Fred LinvilleFRANKLIN, IN.
M. Fred Linville, 90, and longtime resident of Franklin, IN passed away Friday morning December 11, 2020 at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis, IN. Fred was born July 12, 1930 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Clay Maurice Linville and Gertrude Amelia (Hoffman) Linville. He graduated from Fairland High in 1948 where he had served as class president. He was a 3rd generation plus, lifelong farmer, operating primarily in Shelby and Johnson Counties, owner and operater of K & L Grain from 1968 until 1995 and was the developer of the 400 acre Franklin Business Park.
On September 20, 1952 he married Helen Ann (Miller) Linville at Mt. Auburn Christian Church in Shelby County, IN, she lovingly survives after 68 years of devoted marriage. He served in the Indiana National Guard from 1948 until 1955. He was chosen to be part of a delegation of farmers from the United States to visit China and help farmers there learn how to use soil sample testing to better their farming practices. He was the founding member of the Indiana Trail Riders Association, was a past member of the Board of Directors and Loan Committee for 12 years at Franklin Bank and Trust, served on the planning commission, and board of zoning appeals for ten years for the city of Franklin, he was the founding member and past Executive President of the Johnson County Development Corporation, member of the Franklin Elks #1818 for 65 years and a lifetime member of the Johnson County Antique Machinery Association.
He enjoyed traveling the world, he and Helen have visited all seven continents and over 50 countries and all 50 States. He especially enjoyed riding mules on trail rides with his family and friends and riding down the Grand Canyon twice on his own mules. Fred had a passion of preserving the past with his 60 plus years of collecting farm antiques and creating the Fred Linville Antique Farm Collection Museum in Franklin, IN and his legacy will continue for generations to come through the antique farm collection museum.
His dedication of service to his community will be missed by many. He will be best remembered for his honesty, integrity and compassion for his fellow man. His most cherished and proud accomplishment was his love and bond he shared with his family.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years Helen Ann (Miller) Linville of Franklin, IN, his children Charlotte Sullivan (Shawn) of Franklin, IN, Jacob Linville (Dana Shank) of Shelbyville, IN, Maria Hartman of Greenwood, IN, Matthew Linville of Franklin, IN and J.C. Linville (Shannon) of Franklin, IN; eleven grandchildren Jake Rose of Nashville, TN, Colin Hartman of Carmel, IN, Michael Linville of Franklin, IN, Payton Hartman of Indianapolis, IN, Spencer Sullivan of New Fairfield, CT, Wyatt Linville (Taylor) of Whiteland, IN, Ethan Sullivan of Franklin, IN, Maverick Linville (Emma) of Salem, IN, Sarah Sullivan of Franklin, IN, Anna Linville of Franklin, IN and Grace Linville of Franklin, IN, a great- granddaughter Rosalee Linville of Morgantown, IN along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother David Linville.
Father Michael Keucher will conduct a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 11AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church 125 East Broadway Street in Shelbyville, IN. Friends may call Tuesday December 15, 2020 from 3PM until 7PM at the Fred Linville Antique Farm Collection Museum, 1992 Graham Road, in Franklin, IN and Wednesday December 16, 2020 from 10AM till service time at the church. Due to COVID-19 MANDATES, facial coverings or masks are required for those attending. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville, IN. Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the Franklin Elks Lodge #1818 Building Fund, P.O. Box 354, Franklin, IN 46131 or Earlywood Educational Services, 500 Earlywood Drive, Franklin, IN 46131 or at www.earlywood.org. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information at 317-738-0202.
