Frederick William Garver

Frederick William Garver, 73, Boggstown died peacefully Wednesday night. ?Freddy Bill? was born and raised and lived his entire life on the family farm north of Boggstown at the Red Mills. The valedictorian of his High School class in 1956, he majored in business and chemistry at Indiana University before graduating from the Indiana School of Law in Indianapolis. Garver, an icon of the Indiana State House, began his career in politics, working for Governor Matt Welch and as Patronage Chair for the Indiana State Democratic Party. He worked as a top aide to Governor Roger Branigin before leaving state government to work with the law firm Stewart Irwin Gulliom Fuller & Meyer (Stewart & Irwin) in the late 1960s. He spent the next five decades shaping public policy, working with members of the Indiana Congressional Delegation, the Indiana General Assembly and the Executive Branch as a lawyer and a lobbyist. He quickly established himself as a consensus builder and a person who could get things done. Indianapolis Star reporter Bill Roberts wrote that ?he makes his rounds in the legislative halls with all the intensity of a Maine lobsterman checking his traps.? Fred?s wit and force of personality made him an influential presence . His permanent smile and gregarious laugh were constants in the statehouse for close to 50 years. Fred was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by six Governors of the State of Indiana. This is the highest civilian award offered by an Indiana Governor. Fred was a member of Acacia fraternity, Boggstown Presbyterian Church, Boggstown Historical Society, Scottish Rite Indianapolis Chapter, Shiners Indianapolis Chapter and a life member of Fairland Chapter Masonic Lodge. Fred was an avid outdoorsman. He never missed a chance to go hunting, fishing, golfing, boating or to just getting outside. He loved his ?gator rides? along his beloved Sugar Creek to look at his bluebells or sun flowers. Garver was very proud of his service on the Natural Resource Commission. Most importantly, Fred was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and family man. He was also a steadfast and loyal friend. He cared deeply for people and went out of his way to lend a helping hand, seeking nothing in return. He was sought out for his ?off the clock? advice and counsel, and even more so for his uncanny ability to make people laugh and find comfort in things. Mr. Garver is survived by his wife Susan, his daughter Cathy, his son Chip (Megan), and his grandsons Freddy, Michael John and Pete. He is also survived by his brother Don (Peggy) Garver, his sisters Joyce (Robert) Persinger and Joann (Garnet) Dennison, and his nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. A celebration of his life will be from 12 to 6 pm Sunday at his home, 3831 N. London Road, Fairland, In 46126. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Indiana Heritage Trust, 402 W Washington St., Room W256, Indianapolis, In 46204. Online condolences may be sent to www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel.