Fred W. “Tuggy” Naegele, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer, passed away peacefully in his home, on Dec. 30, 2022, surrounded by family. He was born July 1, 1936, in Lake Charles, La., to Frederick William Naegele and Flora Marks Naegele.
Fred was a proud U.S. Marine who served his country in the Korean War. He enlisted at 16 and turned 17 fighting with a gun in his hand. Upon the completion of his service in the Marines, Fred returned home and started his business: Truck and Trailer Equipment Company. He loved his business, his employees, and for over 50 years, he was the first one to work and the last to leave. Fred enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, traveling and spending time with family and friends. He was an active member of his community and a founding charter member of his local American Legion Post 407. He served as Post Commander three times over the decades and served on the executive committee for the last 15 years.
Fred was married to Carol Durapeaux Naegele for over 50 years, where they resided in Westlake, Louisiana for most of those years. They were married as teenagers, and she was the apple of his eye. Fred was preceded in death by Carol and three of his children, son, Kenneth James Naegele; daughter, Cindy Naegele Doran; and daughter, Kelly Naegele Burns; one grandson, Jacob Naegele; and one granddaughter, Sophie Naegele. Fred was also preceded in death by his fiancée, Sandra Busby, with whom he was with for over 5 years.
Fred is survived by two sons, Kyle Naegele and Jerry (Heather) Naegele; four grandchildren, Amie (Ryan) Naegele Freeland, Christi (Jeremey) Doran Hocker, Noah Naegele and Ethan Naegele; six great-grandchildren, Blair Schamber, Nate Naegele, Aaron Hocker, Grace Freeland, Allie Hocker and Brynli Naegele; one great-great-grandson, Stetson Naegele; one brother, Jimmy (Linda) Naegele; and one nephew, T-Jim Naegele.
Fred truly was one of the last of his kind, a dying breed. He was a great man of strength, both physically and mentally. His mental fortitude was contagious and would often rub off on others. His favorite sayings were: “It is what it is” and “It’s a State of Mind!” His family and friends will always have fond memories of the times they spent with him, for those that had that opportunity will forever be blessed.
Semper Fi!
The family will welcome relatives and friends on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles beginning at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 6:45 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at 10 a.m. until the procession leaves for the church at 1:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Bosco Catholic Church at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery in Westlake with Military Honors.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Naegele family.