Fred Randolph Caress Jr, age 93, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Fred spent his winters in Port St. Lucie, Florida, enjoying the sunshine and his well-earned retirement.
A proud Navy veteran, he was aboard the USS Hornbill Minesweeper during the Korean War. Fred embodied dedication, integrity, and hard work throughout his life. From his early days as an ironworker to becoming a successful businessman and Owner of Caress-Weber Construction, Fred was widely respected in his field and admired by many. He designed many extravagant commercial builds you see to this day until he retired in 2015. His strong work ethic and leadership left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Fred was a devoted Shriner, a Jester, and was also a proud member of the Concord Village Lions Club, and Crestwood Elks Lodge 2503. He was honorably on the Board of Directors at Shriners Hospital for Children. He had a deep love for golfing, classic cars, boating, fishing, and spending quality time with his friends and family. Whether he was enjoying a Perfect Rob Roy and a cigar at cocktail hour and telling jokes or sharing stories of the past, “Freddy” brought warmth, humor, and wisdom to every moment.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Doris Caress (Weber); his children, Fred Randolph Caress III and Deborah Seebold (Tim Seebold); and his grandchildren, Frederick Randolph Caress IV, Brooke Elizabeth Caress, Megan Alexandria Hardt (Ryan Hardt), and Gabriel Asher Caress. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Nayvie Hensley, Everly Hensley, Lennon Hardt, and Lincoln Hardt. He was an uncle and friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelva Louise Caress and Frederick Randolph Caress Sr.
SERVICES: Visitation Tuesday, June 24, 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Funeral from Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry Road St. Louis, Missouri 63129) on Wednesday, June 25, 11:15 a.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. All who knew and loved Fred are welcome to attend a luncheon at Sunset Country Club and celebrate the life of a truly extraordinary man. Special thanks to his beloved caregivers; Hamida, Mediha, and Randy. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Shriners Hospital of St. Louis or Concord Village Lions Club.
Grandpa Boat will be so missed. He was one of the smartest, hardest working, honest and respectful men I’ve ever met in my life. He loved his family so much and cared for us in every way possible. I am who I am today because of the man he is; a true leader, amazing friend, an incredible grandfather- someone I will forever look up to. I love you so much. May you rest in peace ❤️ until we meet again. XOXO, with so much love, your granddaughter Brookie
Wonderful memories from many years of being a very special friend and neighbor. Say ‘hi’ to Stephen for me…
A true friend, generous, kind, caring always offering helping hand to anyone in need or duress , a true gentleman always. He will be truly missed by friends like myself and many, many others. May his soul rest in peace and watch over us.
One of the GOOD GUYS!! No other way to define him. Ken and I were always happy to refer to him as a friend. Having shared fun times, Lions times, boat race times, dinners etc. Would always leave his company and say what a nice guy he was and a pleasure to be with. Wishing all the family the strength and love of his memory to carry on proudly.
Will miss you and may you rest in peace. Ken and Carol
So sorry to hear, My Sympathy, Caryl
Freddie, you are going to be missed, all the Father’s days we all spent together! All the dinners every place, especially Fergie’s on Saturdays! At least we have the memories of all the families ours and yours and the ups @nd downs we shared !! We had some good times and a good life well spent! Lynne and Bill
To Doris and All the Family,
My heart goes out to you and all the family. We are all so very lucky to have had Fred in our lives. What a great husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He will truly be missed by all, and he truly had a “Wonderful Life “, and made the most of it!
I know how much he loved life and everything he did and how much we all loved him.
Hope everyone keeps all his memories close in their hearts, I know I will.
Love always, Lynn
I will miss you my Friend. You are one hell of a poker player and We will have to play again when we meet again. God ‘Bless you Freddy.
Steve and I send our deepest sympathies to Doris and the rest of the family. Steve thought the world of Fred and thoroughly enjoyed all the times they spent by together. Fred really was such a kind and caring man and we are honored to have known him.
Respectfully, Steve and Kathy Acker
We will miss your jokes, stories, after dinner cigars and especially our time with you and Doris at so many special occasions!
Thank you, Freddie for the memories and your involvement in so many wonderful causes !
Our Love,
Mike and Shari Halcomb