SSG (Ret.) Fredrick (Fred) Merrell Sessum, 74, of Manhattan, passed away March 9, surrounded by family members in a Topeka hospital. He was born June 26, 1950, in Grenada, Miss.
Fred’s honorable service in the Army led him to deploy to multiple areas overseas and respond to conflicts, including time in Korea, the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his service, he was awarded a Bronze Star.
Fred was an active member in many organizations, including the American Legion (Earl C. Gormley American Legion Post 45, Junction City, and the Pierce-Keller American Legion Post 17, Manhattan), the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion Riders.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Inez of Manhattan; daughter Angela (John) Etienne, Kansas City, Mo., son James (Christine) Hackworth, Clay Center, KS., daughter Debra Stoute, Ogden, KS., grandchildren Bobby Etienne, Ryan Hackworth, and Hayden Hackworth; and more family and friends scattered throughout Kansas, Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.