Fred J. Maahs, Sr. passed away on May 11, 2026 in Freeman Hospital West, Joplin, MO. Fred was born on July 25, 1941 in St. Agnes Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. He was predeceased by his parents, Arletta and Irvin Maahs, Sr., his sister Arletta, his brothers, Irvin, Thomas, Joseph, and Wesley, and his former wife, JoyceAnn. He is survived by his sons, Fred Jr., (Susan Tebbens), and Brian (Kelly Flanagan), his brothers, Charles and Dennis, and his sisters, Dawn and Dale, nieces and nephews, and granddaughters, Emily and Elaina.
Fred spent his childhood years in the Bethel Township and Chester, PA areas. He left home and school at the age of 15 to face life on his own by living in the homes he was helping to build in Delaware. He learned carpentry by working with others and eventually started his own building company and became one of the most sought-after builders in Delaware. Countless individuals who worked for him over the years were able to learn the craft of homebuilding from him and many went on to begin their own carpentry companies.
While married to JoyceAnn, Fred loved to travel. He and JoyceAnn traveled the world – to places like Tahiti, all over South America and the Caribbean Islands, to Los Angeles and Miami, and everywhere in between, it was their time to enjoy the local culture and people, and a time to unwind.
No one was a stranger to Fred. He was quite social and was the type of person who could walk into a room not knowing anyone but left the room with new friends. At his core, he enjoyed the simple things in life – a simple meal, a quiet day on a boat or on the patio, gardening, or a cold beer with a bushel of steamed crabs during good conversation with family and friends.
Fred grew up poor and he never forgot his very humble beginnings. Independent and strong-willed, he lived his life with a Clint Eastwood attitude. He was tough but incredibly compassionate, especially when it came to helping those in need. During the Christmas holidays, he would take Fred Jr. and Brian to a local meat market and purchase dozens of fresh turkeys and then knock on the doors of complete strangers in the poorest neighborhoods of Wilmington to give each family a turkey. He would also find out the names and addresses of needy families and along with his sons would purchase a Christmas tree and presents to give to these families.
And while Fred did not finish high school, he was one of the most well-read people you would ever meet. He could speak about local and world affairs, politics, the economy, and business. He loved a good debate. to laugh, and mostly to tell a good story.
During the last few years of Fred’s life, he lived in Neosho, Missouri and became very close to the surrounding community and the Bible Holiness Assembly of God Church, one block from his home. When he was able, he would attend regular services and loved their 55 Alive social events where church members would gather once a month to share home-cooked meals and desserts and to socialize.
Fred Jr. and Brian would like to thank the members of the Bible Holiness Assembly of God Church, especially Joy and Bill Franks – who were close to their father and became his caregiver, Pastor Terry Miles and Pastor Tim, and Reverend Chuck Akers for their love, support, and care of their father.
Services will be private and interment will be at Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle, Delaware.
Fred was close to his church and he cared deeply about the health and safety of animals. If you wish, you may make a donation in Fred’s honor to the Bible Holiness Assembly of God Church at https://www.bibleholinessag.org/, or the Delaware SPCA.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
