When you’re looking for frederick dean funeral home obituaries, it’s usually because someone you care about has passed away. Or maybe you're just checking in on the community in Opelika. Honestly, it’s one of those things we don’t think about until we absolutely have to. But here’s the thing: finding these records isn't always as straightforward as a quick Google search makes it seem.
A lot of people think an obituary is just a death notice. It’s not. It’s a story. At Frederick-Dean, located right on Frederick Road in Opelika, Alabama, they’ve been doing this for over 120 years. That’s a long time to be the keepers of a city’s history.
Finding Frederick Dean Funeral Home Obituaries Online
If you're hunting for a specific name, like Evelyn "Jane" Peck or Bryant Lee Batts II, the official website is your first stop. Most folks just type the name into a search bar, but the funeral home's own "Obituary Listings" page is way more reliable than third-party scrapers.
Why? Because the family works directly with the funeral directors—currently led by Joseph L. Dean III—to get the details right. You’ll find the service times, whether it’s at the Frederick-Dean Funeral Chapel or a local church like Lee-Scott Academy's facilities.
What’s actually in the records?
Don’t expect just a list of dates. Modern obituaries often include:
- A "Tribute Wall" where you can leave digital condolences.
- Links to send flowers directly to the service.
- Options to plant a memorial tree (a huge trend lately).
- Specific directions to 1801 Frederick Road.
Basically, if you’re looking for someone like Kevin C. Hagberg or Glenda Faye Adcock, the digital archive acts as a permanent memorial. It’s kind of a relief that these stories don't just disappear when the newspaper goes into the recycling bin.
Why the "Frederick-Dean" Name Matters in East Alabama
History is weirdly important here. This place started back in 1900. It was originally Fredericks Funeral Home, founded by James Tichenor Frederick. Back then, it was part of a furniture company. You've got to remember that "furnishing undertakers" were the norm back in the day.
In 1952, they built the current location. The road it’s on? It was actually named Frederick Road because of the funeral home. That’s deep roots. When the Dean family took over—specifically Joseph Dean, who is an Opelika native—they kept that name because of the trust built up over nine decades of Frederick family ownership.
Common Misconceptions About Local Obituaries
People often think every death gets a big write-up. It doesn't.
Families choose what goes in. Sometimes it’s a full life story, like the one for David Alexander, which detailed his thirty-six-year marriage and his nickname, "Uncle Dabo." Other times, it’s just the basics. If you can’t find a name you’re looking for, it might be because the family opted for a private service or a simple death notice instead of a full obituary.
Also, don't assume the funeral is always at the home. Often, services happen at gravesides or local chapels. For example, recent services for William J. Grimm III included visitation hours at the funeral home, but many families choose their home church for the main event.
Navigating the Digital Tribute Wall
If you've never used one, the Tribute Wall is basically a social media feed for the deceased. You’ll see posts from people like Stacy Wellborn or Mandy Moody leaving heart emojis and memories.
"It's a way for the community to show up when they can't physically be at the 1801 Frederick Road location."
It’s not just fluff. These digital spaces help the funeral home staff—people like Brooks Bailey or the directors—coordinate things like "Calm Waters" floral arrangements or memorial donations to a favorite charity.
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How to use the search tool effectively
- Go to the source: Start at the official Frederick-Dean website.
- Use the filters: You can sort by "Last 30 Days" or "Last 90 Days."
- Check spelling: Double-check names. Was it "Jeffery" or "Jeffrey"? For example, the record for Jeffery Davis (who passed in late 2025) is spelled with two 'e's. Small details matter.
The Reality of Grief and Planning
Planning a funeral is stressful. It’s a lot of decisions in a short window. Joseph Dean and his staff emphasize the "Arrangement Conference." This is where the obituary is actually written.
They ask for the "story." This includes:
- Education and military service (like Lt. Colonel Darrell Louis Schlotterback).
- Hobbies and nicknames.
- The names of every single grandniece and grandnephew.
It’s about making the obituary a reflection of a life, not just a notice of its end. Whether it’s a traditional burial or a cremation (which they also handle on-site), the obituary remains the primary way the public learns how to pay their respects.
What to Do Next
If you're looking for a specific person, head to the official listings first. If you're planning for the future, looking into their "Preplan" options is a smart move to save your family the headache later.
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For those attending a service soon, verify the time. Things change. A quick call to (334) 745-4667 can save you a trip if a service has been moved or delayed due to weather.
Final thought: take a second to read the "Tribute Wall" comments. Even if you didn't know the person well, seeing the impact they had on the Opelika and Auburn community is a pretty powerful reminder of why these records matter so much.
Actionable Steps:
- Search the official site for the most accurate service times.
- Sign up for email alerts on Legacy or the official site to stay informed about local passings.
- Use the "Send Flowers" link within the specific obituary to ensure they arrive at the correct service location.
- If you're traveling from out of town, use the "Get Directions" feature on the site to find 1801 Frederick Road easily.