Elwood Fredrick Jobe, 64 of Louisa, KY changed his address to his Heavenly Home on Tuesday, August 01, 2023. He was known to everyone far and wide as Fred. He was born on December 16, 1958 in Louisa, KY to the late Sylvester “Jr.” and Elva Jobe. Fred was the youngest of the five Jobe siblings. He was raised on the family farm in the Fallsburg area where he learned his hard work ethics working in the tobacco and hay fields.
Fred dedicated his life to his Savior, Jesus Christ. He attended New Beginning Community Church in Louisa where he was a member.
Fred is survived by his loving and devoted wife Deborah Parsons Jobe or “Deb” as he referred to her. They just celebrated their 22nd Anniversary this past weekend. Also surviving are three brothers — Bill, Bob and Paul along with his wife Sandy Jobe all of Louisa and one sister Joy and her husband Melvin Trowbridge of Ironton, OH. Fred’s extended family consisted of three nephews, Chris Jobe of Louisa, Rick Trowbridge of Columbus, OH and James Jobe of Louisa along with four nieces, Tammy Marcum of Louisa, Melanie Vanderhoof of Coal Grove, OH, Mollie Grigsby of Coldiron, KY and Rachel Jobe of Louisa. Completing Fred’s family are five great nephews – Cameron, Ryan, Brady, Eli and Luke along with three great nieces – Hannah, and the twins Kalli and Kasey. Fred loved all of these nieces and nephews. He leaves all of these loved ones to carry on his legacy of hard work, kindness and generosity to help others.
Fred graduated from Louisa High School with the Class of 1977. During his high school years, he was active in the Vocational Agriculture Classes and Future Farmers of America (FFA) Club. He participated in events sponsored by the state FFA Club such as the State Tractor Trouble Shooting Event where he landed the title of State Champion. As a result of his outstanding performance in this competition, a Tractor Dealership in Grayson, KY offered him a job to start work immediately making $15.00 per hour but his mother would not permit him to quit school leaving him no choice but to forego that extremely high wage in the 1970’s and go on to graduate high school. Following graduation, Fred attended Ashland Community College (ACC) where he earned a degree in Auto Mechanics. He was also an ASE Certified Mechanic. Fred owned and operated D & J Auto Repair Shop for a time period and then returned to the public workforce.
Fred’s mechanical knowledge was beyond measure. He was an outstanding mechanic and spent his entire career working on all sizes and makes of vehicles even heavy equipment. Fred was generous with his mechanical knowledge and enjoyed helping people with their vehicle mechanical problems. He really never denied help to anyone. He carried his love of working as a mechanic to his last day here on Earth.
While attending ACC he stayed with his sister Joy and her family because it was a much closer commute. It was during this time that he grew very close to her children, Rick and Melanie and that closeness continues today. Melanie always looked up to Fred as another father figure in her life and to him she was the daughter he never had. With this closeness between Fred and Melanie it only made sense that he would be extra close with her children. Kalli, Kasey and Luke put a little extra twinkle in his eyes. He even bought a Santa Suit and dressed up for the twin girls when they were young.
There are so many words we could use to describe Fred. A few are kindhearted, good-natured helpful, handy, generous, funny, loving and friendly. This man never met a stranger and loved to talk and joke with everyone – it didn’t matter to him if he had known you for years or just met you. No matter how little amount of time you were in Fred’s presence, I guarantee you he shared some stories and you enjoyed several laughs. He was a devoted and loving husband to his Deb. Most importantly he was a God fearing man testifying that God was his only hope.
Fred and Debbie loved to go camping. They traveled to numerous campgrounds, parks and lakes doing some fishing along the way. Thankfully, they had already taken a couple trips this summer making memories and enjoying each other’s company. They were making plans to travel westward across the United States exploring new territory.
Recently Fred and Deb became fur-baby parents to two collies – Lucky and Duke. The love between these four is so great. Those are two extra special and spoiled dogs.
Fred had a special circle of very close friends that he knew he could call on any hour of the day and they would be there momentarily. Now that circle is missing a link and those men will forever miss Fred but will cherish that friendship forever.
Fred often referred to his friend Robert Ison as another brother and Robert cared for Fred as the brother he never had. The two of them have been close friends since their high school days. They have been there to support each other through many of life’s trials and tribulations. They were also deer hunting buddies, often spending the night prior to opening day camping in the cabin on Fred’s farm. Robert had always been a Chevrolet man. Fred would always work on those Chevrolets all the while lecturing Robert that he needed a real vehicle—a Ford. Eventually, Robert gave in and purchased not one but two Ford vehicles so there were no more lectures when Fred worked on the Fords. He took full credit for converting Robert over to Fords. Fred loved his Ford trucks and didn’t hesitate to brag on a Ford.
Fred’s love for his John Deere equipment was equal to his love for Fords. He thoroughly enjoyed being out bush hogging and doing work with his John Deere. It was only fitting that God chose that time on Tuesday while Fred was bush hogging to call him home.
Even though Fred’s passing was a total shock to everyone and still doesn’t seem real we all know that he passed doing what he loved and that was working. He was not a person to just sit around idly even when a doctor ordered rest.
Fred’s message to his family and friends would be something like……I am healed now. Don’t grieve for me but make your life right with our Savior and I’ll be waiting for you on the other side in a shiny Ford truck hitched to a trailer with my John Deere on it.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the Young Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Kenny Bailey and Pastor Noah Robertson officiating. Burial will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery. Friends may visit the family on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 11:00 AM until time of service in the Young Funeral Home Chapel.
Young Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Mr. Jobe and his family.
