Frederick R Comer

“Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.” Horace Greeley (1811-1872).

Frederick Ray Comer, 84, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully following a decline due to vascular dementia on October 6, 2026.

Fred was born on August 3, 1942, in Lapeer, Michigan, to Arthur Raymond Comer and Lorraine Helen Kesler. He graduated from Davison High School in 1960, received a BS degree in education from Central Michigan University in 1964 and an MA degree in political science from Western Michigan University in 1968.

At the beginning of the 1965 school year at Fennville High School, Fred met another young teacher named Sally Lou Ost. They married at the home of Grace and James Walz in Saugatuck Township, Michigan, on December 18th, 1965. That Christmas, the newlyweds boarded a train to visit Sally’s parents, whom Fred had yet to meet. It was the beginning of nearly 59 years of marriage and a lifetime of adventures.

Fred began his career teaching U.S. government, world history, and sociology at Fennville High School (1964-1966) and U.S. government, U.S. history and sociology at Wayland High School (1967-1970). He also coached debate at Fennville and debate and forensics at Wayland. A fitting beginning for a man who never sat back quietly.

From 1970 until his retirement in 1998, he was a respected advocate for teachers, the profession of teaching, and the education of children. In 1970, he became the first MEA UniServ Director for Allegan County. He then served as an MEA Assistant Executive Director and as MEA Associate Executive Director with statewide responsibility for field services, organizing, collective bargaining, and legal services. From 1981 until 1998 he was the Executive Director of the Iowa State Education Association. Among the accomplishments of his leadership was gaining legislative approval, with the assistance of Governor Terry Branstad, for a $92.1 million teacher salary package in Iowa in 1987.

He also spent 20 years as a registered lobbyist. He loved to tell his friends, “Please don’t tell my mother I’m a lobbyist. She thinks I’m a piano player in a house of ill repute.”

Fred’s enthusiasm for picket lines and a little rabble-rousing began in college and continued through every stage of life. He believed wholeheartedly in collective action. “Solidarity forever” was more than a slogan to Fred.

His grandchildren knew Grandpa would never spend 25¢ on a little plastic vending machine toy. But, if they were organizing and stirring up some “good trouble,” he was the first person they should call. He was especially proud to see his grandchildren develop that same willingness to speak up and make a difference no matter how big or small. His encouragement was always the same: “Go get ’em, kiddo.”

Fred’s career brought friendships that lasted a lifetime. Friends from his years teaching and working for the MEA and ISEA remained long after retirement. There were regular trips to play cards and an annual, three-day garage sale that was part reunion, complete with familiar faces, food, and traditions that carried on for years.

Around the family table, Fred was rarely short on a story. He often requested extended “cocktail time” before ordering main dishes so everyone could enjoy more conversations and stories. As Fred liked to remind everyone, “Nothing ruins a good story like the truth.”

Fred and Sally shared a passion for genealogy. They traveled the eastern US and the Midwest, with occasional trips to Europe in search of ancestors and the stories that make them real. They were often accompanied in the early years by Sally’s mother and later, by their daughter. Together, they self-published seven hardcover volumes of family genealogy.

Retirement also brought more time for college football. Many friends and family received weekly “Fast Freddie” emails. These were Fred’s college football predictions and statistics, which became a retirement passion project that kept Fred busy! Fred and Sally attended over 150 games at 39 colleges and universities across 24 states. As Fred wrote, “We believe and practice that on a beautiful autumn afternoon … a person should be in a college football stadium somewhere!”

Fred took great joy from his children and grandchildren. He wore his Great Papa title with pride and lit up whenever he saw his great-grandbabies running down the hall towards him.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sally Lou Ost Comer, in 2024. He is survived by his daughter, Allison Lee Comer (John) Ring of Schoolcraft, Michigan; son, Justin Arthur Comer of West Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren Madison Elizabeth Ring (Bobby Morales), Matthew Alexander Ring (Brenna Albin), and Zachary Michael Comer; and his beloved great-grandchildren.

Fred’s legacy lives in the educators he spent his career fighting for, the friendships that lasted decades, the genealogy he preserved, and the generations he encouraged to “Go get ‘em”!

A memorial will be held from 2pm to 4 p.m. on October 22 at Latitude 42 Portage. We would love to share this time with all who knew Fred. Hor D’oeuvres will be served, memories shared, his favorite songs played and we will be sure to toast in honor of Fred.

Fire Up, Chips! and ALWAYS support educators!

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Fred's guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Comer family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.