If heaven has a golf course, a poker table, and a grill fired up for BBQ chicken, then Frederick Charles Scherr has already made himself right at home. Known for his booming laugh, quick wit, being the life of the party, master nickname-giving, busting out in song, and loving his family more than butter, Fred (also known as Freddie, Dad, and Papa), age 82, of Dallas, Texas, died on March 24, 2025. The world will undoubtedly be a quieter place without him—but far less entertaining.

Fred was born on September 15, 1942, in Long Island, New York, to Frederick and Edna Scherr, and it didn’t take long for him to develop a lifelong love for the beach. He and his younger sisters, Carol and Barbara, spent countless weekends at Jones Beach with a cooler full of salami sandwiches and plenty of sunshine. The Scherrs moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1955, where Fred attended Jesuit College Preparatory and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1961. He then attended North Texas University and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.

Fred met Cheryl Lynn Smith (whom he affectionately called “Cheryl Doreen the Rodeo Queen”) at TJ High School. They were married in Dallas on June 30, 1963, and the two perfected their signature dance 'The North Texas Push.' Cheryl mastered his favorite meals, including chicken-fried steak and risotto, and they enjoyed many years of dinner club with their friends.

Fred’s greatest masterpiece was his children. Christina Lynn (“Chrissy Cat”) was born in Dallas, followed by twin sons Frederick Douglas (“Dougie”) and Charles Dennis (“Den-a-Roo”) in Lubbock, and his youngest son, Dustin Earl (“Deedle-Bug”), in Dallas. The Scherr family was famous for their vacations in the station wagon, with frequent trips to the beach. He also coached the boys’ soccer and football teams, with a highlight being when he took the twins’ soccer team, The Astros, to a tournament in Mexico City. A salesman at heart, Fred was employed by Bristol-Myers, Scotts Fertilizer, and Brinks Security.

Fred was many things—a salesman, a coach, a storyteller, and a grill master—but his greatest role was being Papa Fred. He taught his grandchildren how to play poker as soon as they could count and might not have felt bad when he took their money. His garage fridge was always stocked with every soda imaginable, his freezer with popsicles and ice cream, and his pantry was a snack lover's dream. Fred taught his grandchildren the value of family traditions and instilled his competitive nature in them all.

Everyone who knew Fred knew how much he loved a rare ribeye steak, playing golf, a heated poker game with his card group, and watching sports. He was a faithful Dallas Cowboys fan, which gave him equal parts joy and heartbreak. Fred would sit in his favorite chair until the wee hours of the morning watching movies and had the uncanny ability to hold a full glass of wine and never spill a drop after dozing off. Above all else, Fred loved spending time with his family. He looked forward to all the holidays, but Thanksgiving was probably his favorite. During the Christmas season—or really any season—you would hear him singing “Feliz Navidad!” on repeat.

Fred is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Cheryl; their children, Christy and husband Johnny, Doug and wife Shannon, Dustin and wife Erin, and daughter-in-law Catherine. He was the proud Papa Fred to Courtney, Morgan (and husband Jake), Jack, Hayden, Paige, Sam, Charles, Gracie, and Grace, as well as Great-Papa Fred to Graham and Charlotte. He also leaves behind his sisters, Carol (and husband Leo) and Barb, along with countless other family and friends who will never find another quite like him.

Waiting to greet him in heaven are his parents, Fred and Edna Scherr; his in-laws, Merl and Vivian Smith; his son, Dennis Scherr; his brother-in-law, Steve Smith; his grandson, Alex Scherr; his infant great-grandson, Brooks Oliver; and his late-night companions, Petey, Punkin, Lacy, and Baby Girl. Though he will be missed beyond words, we take comfort knowing that he’s already teeing off with Dennis in paradise, probably playing the best round of golf of his life.

In true Fred fashion, his celebration of life will coincide with the opening day of The Masters. Join us on April 10 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Methodist Church, in The Hasley Chapel, 5801 Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas, as we laugh, cry, and share stories about the legend that was Fred Scherr.

And if you hear someone randomly singing “Feliz Navidad!” in the middle of July or smell a brisket on the smoker, just know -- that’s probably Fred, reminding you to celebrate life every single day.