Frederick “Fred” Eugene Morrow, Jr. departed this earth suddenly at a vibrant and active 72 years of age on January 6th, 2022.
Fred was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania on February 5th 1949, the son of Frederick Eugene Morrow Sr. and Marie Laverne (Hess) Morrow.
Fred was raised in Pennsylvania where he was an Eagle Scout and a God and Country award winner. After graduating high school he made his way to College Station, Texas.
Fred never met a stranger. He was a dyed in the wool Aggie, a proud and outspoken (but not too obnoxious) 1972 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering. Upon graduation he went to work for Lufkin in Lufkin, Texas. He later worked for FiberFlex, Nabla Corp., Frontera, Fiberod and Superod. He loved the oilfield and the challenges and problems it presented. Fred was a registered Professional Engineer in both Texas and Alberta, Canada.
Fred was the inventor of the Parabolic End Fitting and was issued a patent for that invention, thus solving a persistent problem with the end fitting attachment to fiberglass rods. He was co-inventor of a Linear Pump and Motor System which is patented in the US and Canada. He authored and co-authored numerous papers on artificial lift technology and taught courses on the subject. In 2011 he was awarded the JC Slonneger Award – the highest honor bestowed by the Southwestern Petroleum Short Course Association – for “Significant Contributions to Artificial Lift Technology.”
He made his life’s work in the oil fields of the world, working internationally on virtually every continent. At the time of his death, he was still active in the oil industry, designing lift systems and teaching others about artificial lift. He never retired, just re-calculated.
While working at FiberFlex in Big Spring, Texas, Fred met the love of his life, Sharron. They were married on July 29th, 1989, in Dallas, Texas. With Sharron came an instant family of four beautiful daughters. Sharron and Fred were made for each other, a perfect match. They complimented and balanced each other.
Fred and Sharron shared many adventures and traveled the world. They hosted foreign exchange students Alberto and Carlos Artagoitia from Spain and became life-long friends. Fred coached and refereed youth soccer. For a year they lived and worked in Baku, Azerbaijan, before returning to their old neighborhood in Midland, Texas.
In 2015 they traded the harsh West Texas landscape for a panoramic view of the bay in Sarasota, Florida. For over a decade, summers were spent in Canada with Fred teaching schools on artificial lift for Penta Completions, and he and Sharron visiting friends while living in their fifth wheel RV for the entire summer.
Fred loved hunting and fishing and invited many friends and family to join in an annual offshore fishing trip to northern Vancouver Island.
Fred was a natural born engineer, always seeking to solve a problem, be it yours, his, his many oilfield clients, his multiple employers, the property owner’s association where he lived, the owner of whatever RV park he and Sharron happened to be staying in, his neighbors, or anyone with whom he came into contact.
He was consistently cheerful, eternally optimistic, and ready to attack any job or challenge, large or small. Need a swimming pool – Fred could dig it. Need to move a building – no problem. Mow and bale the hayfield – where’s the tractor? Build a kit airplane – right on it! (Fred was a licensed pilot) Size a pumping unit and come up with a design for a rod string – here you go. Fireplace acting up – let’s have a look. Build a trebuchet – how big do you want it? His ability and energy were amazing and his curiosity about everything was boundless. If he didn’t know how to do it, he would soon figure it out and come up with a plan.
Fred enjoyed life and found joy in all he encountered. He was in constant motion seeking the next adventure or project, and he always managed to find one. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He touched hundreds of people worldwide, and always to their benefit.
Fred loved people, and people were important to him. First and foremost was Sharron, his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an inspiration and champion to all of his nine grandchildren, and they will miss him greatly. He especially took an interest in young people trying to find their way in life. In this he touched the lives of many, many young teenagers and adults with encouragement, words of advice, and in many cases financial help. He always saw the best in those he met. The friends he and Sharron made encompass the globe.
Most of all, everyone with whom Fred came into contact loved him. He was irresistible. A force of Nature. A character that you will never forget meeting, and one you cherished to know as a friend. He was an angel among us here on earth, and certainly whatever problems heaven might need solved, Fred is on the job working to straighten them out. His is our worldly loss and heaven’s gain.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Eugene Morrow, Sr. and Marie Laverne Morrow.
He is survived by his wife, love of his life, best friend and constant companion Sharron Morrow of Sarasota, Florida; Daughters Debbie Hattenbach and husband James, of Midland, Texas; Patty (Hannibal) Hill of Omaha, Nebraska; Wendy Levell and husband Ed of Hico, Texas; Lisa Speed and husband Mike of Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren: Lindsey (Hattenbach) Gooding and husband Gordon; Dustin Hattenbach and wife Skye; Jenna Hannibal; Davis Hannibal and wife Andrea; Amy (Levell) Blankenship and husband Josh; Claire Levell; Ross Speed and wife Callie; Taylor (Speed) Griesbach and husband Chase; Ali (Speed) Brown and husband Collin; and twelve great-grandchildren. Fred is also survived by his brother Dwight (Ike) Wayne Morrow and wife Andrea of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, nephew Brian Morrow and wife Allison and their son Mason; and, niece Lisa (Morrow) Baker and husband Bryan and their children Chase and Allison.
A Memorial service for Frederick “Fred” Morrow Jr. will be held in Midland, Texas in the spring of 2022.
At that service we will gather to celebrate Fred’s life. Many funny stories will be told, fond memories recalled. We mourn his loss and cherish his memory. He was a great man. There is not a lot more you can say when such a wonderful person is unexpectedly called from this life much too soon. We are all wondering what we will do without a Fred in our lives.
Condolences and stories to Sharron here.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Midland Habitat for Humanity. Please send to Midland Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 2555, Midland, Texas 79702-2555.
Care is entrusted to the Bowersox Funeral Home.
