R. E. (Dick) Backus of Frostproof, Fla. died June 23, 2015, at age 101. Dick was born on his parent’s farm in Yuma County, Colo. on May 15, 1914. He had eight siblings, seven of which were older and one younger sister who died as a child.
After graduation from Yuma County High School, Dick worked his family’s farm in Colorado for a brief time. The depression years were difficult. His oldest sister had found her way to Frostproof, Fla. She found him a summer job with their brother-in-law so Dick traveled to Frostproof to work.
He married his high school sweetheart, Lyndell Juanita Olvey, in 1936 and they lived in Frostproof, Fla. all their married lives. Juanita died in 1989. In 1993, he married Lois Brennan.
Dick worked at several different jobs as a young man but was best known as a real estate broker in Frostproof. Over the years, he served his church in many capacities. He served the community of Frostproof in many ways as well, most notably as Treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce for many years. Because of his community service, he was named Mr. Frostproof in 1964. He was a member of the Frostproof Lions Club and had perfect attendance for over 50 years.
He was a loving father and husband. He was a man of impeccable character and integrity. He loved to sing, he loved to play golf, and he loved to do physically demanding work. He spent many happy hours working in his grapefruit grove.
He is survived by his wife Lois; by his two children; Ben Backus of Peachtree City, Ga. and Karen Williams (Charlie) of Gainesville, Fla.; and by seven grand-children and thirteen great grandchildren.
His favorite charity: The Frostproof United Methodist Church Memory Fund and Building Fund in Frostproof, Florida.
Memorial services will be held at Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home at 2 p.m. June 27, 2015 and at Frostproof United Methodist Church in Frostproof, Florida at a later date.
