Fred L. Channell

CHANNELL, Fred L., age 83 of Urbana, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Springfield Regional Medical Center. He was born on January 19, 1940 in Urbana, to the late Frank and Esther (Price) Channell. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his son, Davy Channell; his brother, Phil Channell and his beloved pup, Charlie who has been patiently waiting to be reunited with him. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving companion for the past ten years, Leah Shiffer; daughters: Missy (Rob Watts) Chanell and Susie (Rich Watts) Channell; grandchildren: Ashlyn Woodruff, Austin Woodruff, Lexie (Eli) Seipel, and Lanie Lyons; great-grandchildren: Gavin, Lilly, Ellie, and Jamie; and mother of his children, Carolyn. Fred was blessed with a business partner he considered a son, Pedro (Maria) Torrado and their daughter Anna Torrado. Together he and Pedro made Fred's dream a reality by opening Capagro, an equipment store in Puerto Rico featuring livestock and forage equipment. Fred's career on the family farm began on a tractor at the young age of six. After his father's passing, Fred was in charge of the Channell family farm that included all types of livestock and grain farming. He even received the honor of being Champaign County's Farmer of the Year in 2008. Fred's true calling came when he started Channell Equipment. Serving the community and offering products from Krone, Jaylor, Cadman Irrigation and H & S since 1968. Fred always had a new project to tackle. He loved to fix things, and his ability to sell you something was uncanny. People that have had the pleasure of knowing him refer to him as “Fast Freddie” with good reason. Even with a cigar hanging out of his mouth he was a man of true character, and definitely one of a kind. He will be sadly missed. A visitation will be held for Fred on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Westville United Methodist Church. His funeral will follow on Saturday, April 29, also at the church, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Del Bonar officiating. Fred will be laid to rest with military honors at Oak Dale Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com. Memorial contributions in honor of Fred can be made to the Westville United Methodist Church.