Frederick Elmer Belles, "Fred"

July 22, 1935 – October 8, 2025

Frederick Elmer Belles, known as Fred, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in Zephyrhills, Florida, at the age of 90.

Fred was born on July 22, 1935, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, to Elmer and Josephine Belles. He was their only child and carried their love and values with him throughout his life.

He married Constance Monkelien on October 20, 1956, at the Elfsborg Lutheran Church in Pomeroy, Iowa, beginning a partnership grounded in love and mutual respect.

Fred graduated from Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and later attended Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at SHAPE Headquarters outside of Paris, France.

After his service, Fred spent over 64 years living in Tampa. A hard-working and entrepreneurial man, he worked for Maas Brothers in Tampa before becoming the proud owner of Stan's Lock & Key Service in Zephyrhills.

Fred had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He enjoyed photography, traveling, and bowling, and was a loyal fan of the Tampa Bay Bucs.

A man of deep faith, Fred was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and sang in the choir for many years. He gave back generously to his community, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and supporting the Boy Scouts.

Fred will be remembered as a good friend, a devoted family man, and someone with a good sense of humor.