Fredric Willford, 83, of Findlay passed away at 1:44pm on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at Blanchard Valley Hospital. He was born in Malinta, OH on May 20, 1934 to the late Byron and Hallie (Long) Willford. On July 1, 1956, he married Voleta M. Wachtmann and she survives in Findlay. Also surviving are sons: Byron (Susan) Willford of Columbus and Mark (Elizabeth) Willford of Hillard; and seven grandchildren: Emily (Wes) Campbell, Joshua (Alison) Willford, John Mark Willford, Jackson Willford, Lauren Willford, Lucas Willford, and Erin Willford. Fredric was preceded in death by brothers: Robert and James Willford; and one sister: Carol Gerken. Fred has instilled the love of music in many people both young and old. He has taught Junior High and High School students for 30 plus years as well as directed the First Lutheran Senior Choir, Findlay, Ohio for 25 years. During his last 5 years of teaching he chaired the Choral Music Department for the Findlay City Schools as well as directed the Broadway musicals at the High School. He directed a 110 voice Jr. Sr. Choir and 60 voice Sophomore Choir, plus select chamber groups from each, as well as performing for many school concerts and services for community events. He also taught Music Theory. Fred holds a Bachelor of Science & M.A. degrees plus 30 semester hours from the Ohio State University-attended Findlay College and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music-attended music workshops and clinics throughout Ohio-performed in Gilbert Sullivan's "Trial By Jury" and "HMS Penafore"- directed and sang in Handel's Messiah several times-has served as adjudicator for scholarships and talent shows-been a music critic for North Central Evaluations as well as taught Piano Technics for two years at Findlay College and has coached many voice and piano students throughout the years. Fred is a life member of OEA and NEA, also past member of MENC, FEA and past President of DEA-he attended Fred Waring, Roger Wagner, and Leland Sateran clinics-many choral sight reading sessions, plus OMEA conventions. His love for music started as a child when at age 10 he started taking piano lessons from Professor Clyde Hagans in Napoleon, Ohio and later sang and accompanied Hoyt Sprow, his high school choir master at Malinta-Grelton, Malinta, Ohio. He continued his music education at Ohio State University with such distinguished professionals as George Haddad, his piano teacher; Dale Gillilian, Louie Diercks, Norman Staiger, and Joseph A. Leeder just to name a few. Fred graduated from the Ohio State University in 1956 and served two years with the U.S. Army as a Chaplain's Assistant in Paris, France where he also played the organ and directed the Senior Choir. He accepted a position with the Findlay City Schools in the fall of 1958 and was awarded the prestigious Joseph A. Leeder Graduate Scholarship Award in May of 1962. Fred continued his education at the Ohio State during the summers and received his Master's Degree plus 30 hour toward his Doctorate. He also taught 30 piano students from 1958-1968, putting his wife through Findlay College, now the University of Findlay. Fred continued to share his musical talent by playing duets at church with Mark Willeke and Joshua Brodbeck. He also accompanied a Japanese Women's Choir under the direction of Carol Bridinger. Fred is a member and past President of the Senate Club, (a Findlay literary group), also pianist and song leader-and was an active member of the YMCA. Fred enjoyed entertaining wherever he found a piano and/or organ and always attracted an audience. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, Findlay with Pastor Mark Brodbeck, Christian Dittmar, and Bishop Daniel Beaudoin officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery where full military rites will be conducted by the Hancock County Memorial Squad. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church in his loving memory. Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.coldrencrates.com