Frederick “Fred” Mark Inyard
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Memorial services for Fred Inyard, will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, August 23, 2014 at the North Lawrence Visitors Center Train Depot, 402 North 2nd Street.
Graveside services will be held following memorial service.
Mr. Inyard died Sunday, August 10, 2014 while walking his dog.
He was born March 5, 1935 at home in Lawrence, KS. He was the son of Julias Earl Inyard and Lucile Eva Rogers Inyard. He attended Lawrence Memorial High School. He was a member of the NHRA, AHRA, and NRA. Fred won many races and championships, including the A/Gas AHRA National Championship in 1962. He started Fred’s Tune-Up in 1963.
He was one of the founders of Zoe Christian Fellowship and Word of Grace Ministries.
He was preceded in death by his father, Julias Earl Inyard, mother, Lucile Rogers, brother, Dudley Saul Quinton. He is survived by his brother, Roger Inyard.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Fred Inyard Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers.
As well as wonderful caring person, Fred was a terrific mechanic. Every customer was special and got the very best Fred had to offer – great service, good advice, fair prices, and even more – the unique opportunity to get to hangout with a very special guy and his young partner Jake. From the first time in 1985 that I talked with Fred about repairing my ’67 Impala convertible, I knew I’d found just who I was looking for. If there’re GM autos in heaven in need of repair – Fred’s will be the man to tend ’em and they’ll be lucky to have him.
Lucky for me, I got one of the very last Fred’s Tune-up T-shirts. Ironically I was wearing it the day he died.
The Greeks, have a refrain, a-o-ee-nee-me, that means memory eternal and that when we recall our departed we restore them to life. Fred will be the in memories of many of us for a long time, indeed. A-oee-nee-me Fred. Dean Palos
My parents, Mary Jo & Duane Elston, had the pleasure of living next door to Fred’s shop for many years and the testament of his good work, expertise and wisdom showed daily with the lot always overflowing with his next vehicle waiting for his love. Fred was such a caring man, he always had a kind word to say and the patience to sit down and talk with whatever you wanted to talk about that day. He was a great friend to my parents and I know they are up there reminiscing about the good times spent while being neighbors. RiP to Fred. North Lawrence will surely miss this wonderful Icon.
Fred was a wonderful man with a big heart. I had not seen Fred in years but he will always have a special place in my heart.
I met Fred while walking my dog on the levee. He was a constant fixture, walking Ruger, his dog and frequently stopping to share conversation. We swapped dog treats with Ruger and my dog, Cosmo. One day another dog walker on the levee had seen me stop to talk with Fred and asked “Do you know who he is? He is a very skilled racing mechanic who worked at Don’s Speed Shop and won prestigious auto racing championships.” I had no idea of Fred’s mechanic prowess, but I knew he was a kind man, who loved his dog and enjoyed walking with Ruger on the levee. Enjoy your walks in Heaven, Fred.
Farewell sweet Fred. You will be remembered. I’m sure Jake will take care of the kitties but they will sure miss you and your big heart.
Dawn Hawkins
Many years ago a friend recommended me to Fred”s tuneup. Many years and cars and trucks later I would tell folks in need of a good mechanic and an honest man to pay him a visit. My first impression was someone who was quiet and a straight shooter. Once we got to know each other then he really opened up and what a great guy. His shop was like a time machine sometimes, both him and Jake were great at what they did and always did right by me. Well I got married over 4 years ago and moved to Topeka and so I was rarely in the neighborhood, but everytime I crossed that bridge from north Lawrence to downtown I would always llok for his sign. The last time we crossed paths we were both at the Merc and he waved hello as he was leaving with a bag of groceries. Man how time just flies. I am sad to see Fred go but I believe his good work lives on. Not sure where Jake has ended up but I wish him the best. Peace to you Fred and keep those wrenches turning wherever GOD sends you.