Fred Armbruster

Frederick L. Armbruster, 77, of Abilene, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2022.

Had the writing of this obituary been up to Fred, it would simply read “Well, he died.” Since he had no say in this, we get to highlight the way Fred lived.

Frederick Louis Armbruster was born on January 19, 1945 in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Gerald Armbruster and Betty Havens Armbruster. He was a 1963 graduate of George Washington High School in Denver, Colorado. Fred made his way to Abilene via the Cowboy Marching Band at Hardin Simmons University and graduated from HSU in 1971. Thanks to a blind date arranged by Perry and Leanne Scott, Fred met the love of his life, Patricia Long, in October of 1974. They married in June of the following year and just recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. Fred was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church and the Upper Room Sunday School class. He was a man with endless love and devotion to his family and for the Lord.

Fred was the President of Long Electric Company where he began working in 1976 after he married the owner’s daughter. There were few things that Fred could not do. Along with being a master electrician, Fred was known for being a grill master, Mr. Fix-It, and the “Jack of all Trades.” Both literally and figuratively, Fred is responsible for being a shining light in and around the Abilene area. To his colleagues and friends, Fred was known as a quiet, honest, and hard-working man. On more than one occasion, Fred was described as someone that was an instrumental part in the life of others. Over the years he mentored numerous young men and guided them as they transitioned into skilled electricians. Fred was known for investing in his employees and teaching them about far more than the electrical trade business. While he was often referred to as “Boss Man” or Mr. Armbruster, he was known to his family as Daddy, PawPaw, and according to Patricia, “the greatest man I could have ever been blessed with.” Fred was happiest when he was surrounded by his pride and joy, his family. Whether he was traveling with Patricia, sitting around the grill with Kelly, dove hunting with Matt, or teaching Wyatt and Logan how to fish, Fred cherished every moment with the people he loved the most.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Armbruster; his daughter, Kelly Armbruster; his son, Matt Armbruster and his wife, Michelle; his two grandsons, Wyatt and Logan Armbruster; his brother-in-law, K.O. Long and his wife Marilyn; his niece, Tracy Long Arnold and her husband, Eric; and his nephew Scott Long and his wife, Meredith. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Betty.

Fred’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the oncology team at UT Southwestern in Dallas, as well as the wonderful, 12th floor nursing staff. Additionally, we would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Hendrick Medical Center, as well as the Hendrick Hospice Care team.

Visitation will be from 1-3pm on Saturday, September 10th, at Hamil Family Funeral Home located at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene.  A graveside service will immediately follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Fred’s name be made to First United Methodist Church, Hendrick Hospice Care, the American Cancer Society, or the donor’s preferred charity.

Memories may be shared, and condolences submitted at: www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com