Frederick Delene “Fred” Mankins, 61, of Coatsville, Missouri passed away at his residence, July 20, 2010.

    Fred was born on January 26, 1949, in Fort Independence, California, the son of Delene Emze and Betty June Rood Mankins.

    Fred attended the Owens Valley Unified Schools in Independence, California, before embarking on a rather colorful list of vocations. He worked for a mining company as their ordinance shooter, operated heavy construction equipment in Mule Creek, California, drilled and capped oil wells with Chevron Oil in Northwest Wyoming, and owned and operated three commercial salmon fishing boats off the coast of Gold Beach, Oregon. Then his wilder side took over as he began welding and building custom motorcycles and became associated with numerous bike organizations. Fred worked for many years at the Inyo County Cemetery in Independence, California before moving to Missouri, in 1991, to be near his mother and run his business “M&M Fabrication” until his health no longer allowed.

    Fred enjoyed building trikes and riding Harley Davidson bikes. Most weekends Fred and Judy would take to the road to see friends and family. When time allowed they would attend rallies and looked forward each year to Keosauqua, Iowa’s End of Summer Rally. Fred enjoyed the road and lived life to the fullest. He is finally riding free with the wind in his face.

    Fred is survived by his loving companion and best friend, Judy Funk  and her son, Casey both of the home near Coatsville, Missouri; a son, Dale and his wife Amy Mankins of Coatsville, Missouri;  five grandchildren, Melinda Mankins, Tyler Mankins, Paige Mankins, Austin Mankins all of Denver, Colorado and Amanda “Mutt” Richert of Coatsville, Missouri; Judy's daughter, Katy and husband Brandon Kaestner, and grandchildren, Jayde and Holli; a half brother, Wayne and his wife Jo Mankins of Oregon; four half sisters, Bonnie Mankins, Brenda Mankins, Marcy and her husband Ron Spahn of Cottage Grove, Oregon and Tracie Mankins; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and biker buds.

    Fred always enjoyed celebrating with friends and at his request he was cremated and a Celebration of Life carry-in dinner on August 21, 2010 at 6 p.m. at the Church of Faith in Lancaster, Missouri.

    Doss Funeral Home in Edina, Missouri was in charge of his wishes.