Frederick "Fred" Cress, 86, passed away on November 16, 2024, in Lexington, Indiana with his family by his side. He was born on July 25, 1938 in Middletown, Ohio, to Robert Cress and Letha Cress. On September 12,1964 Fred married his wife of sixty years, Mary McAllister, and she survives. Fred lived a fulfilling life as a self-employed construction and excavation professional, owning and operating Cress Building & Excavation. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic. In addition to his successful career, Fred was also a past member of the Lexington Fire Department and served in the United States Army, embodying a spirit of duty and sacrifice throughout his life. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert "Bob" Cress. In addition to his wife, Mary, Fred is survived by one son, Fred Cress, Jr. of Lexington, Indiana; two daughters, Diane Miller and Conni (Joey) VanCleave both of Lexington, Indiana; two brothers, Paul (Cathy) Cress of Indianapolis, Indiana and David (Sadie) Cress of Columbus; two sisters, Patricia Ford and Beverly Cress of Columbus, Indiana; six grandchildren, Robert Sharp, Ariel Sharp, CJ Hardin, Ryan VanCleave, Ashley VanCleave, and Brooklyn McIntosh; three great grandchildren, Lucas, Emma, and Layne. Funeral service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 1:00pm at Lexington Christian Church in Lexington, Indiana with Mitchell Hutchins officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service Monday, starting at 10:00am until 1:00pm at the Church. Burial to follow at Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, Indiana. Memorial donations can be made in Fred's name to Lexington Christian Church in c/o Collins Funeral Home in Scottsburg, Indiana. Online condolences and additional information can be found at www.collinsfuneralhome.net.