Burdette Lewis Frew
According to those that knew him, Burdette "Bud" Lewis Frew was a man of character and great integrity who believed "right will always prevail over wrong."
He was recognized as a man who brought business practices back to the time when "a handshake was a handshake, and your word was your word."
Mr. Frew of Columbia died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 at Boone Hospital Center. He was 77.
He was born Dec. 15, 1933 in Sterling, Ill., to Vincent Burdette and Susan May Knox Frew. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1956 to 1958, and graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., in 1962.
He married Byrdie "Kit" Frew on June 5, 1955, in Lyndon, Ill.
"He was deeply loved by his family," Byrdie Frew said. "He was a great husband, great father, great grandfather and a great businessman."
Mr. Frew worked for FS Services from 1962 to 1969. He worked at MFA Inc. from 1969 to 1998; from 1985 until his retirement he served as that company's CEO.
While working at MFA Inc., Mr. Frew earned praise for his leadership, far-sightedness and dedication, said Janice Schuerman, senior vice president of MFA Corporate Services. He was considered a friend and mentor by many, she said.
"He was one of those people you always knew would do the right thing," Schuerman said. "I was very proud to work for him. He always set goals full of stretch, and you ended up being a much better performer having worked for him."
Mr. Frew was also known as a man who could stand his ground when he had strong convictions about something, and truly believed "if it was right for the farmer, then it’s right for MFA," his wife said. "It wasn’t always a popular choice, but he stood by it."
Mr. Frew is survived by his wife; a son, Scott Frew, of Columbia; a daughter, Suzette Marsch of Jefferson City; a brother, William Frew, of San Diego; two sisters, Phyllis Yoder, of Phoenix, and Pamela Adolph, of Mt. Carroll, Ill.; and four grandchildren, Laurie Frew and Madison, McKenzi and Maci Marsch.
Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Concord Baptist Church, 3724 West Truman Boulevard, in Jefferson City. Services, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Monte Shinkle, and full military honors will follow at 3 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Lyndon Cemetery in Lyndon, Ill..
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences may be posted at www.millardfamilychapels.com.
