Fernando Bermudez

Fernando (Fred) Bermudez, 67, of Olathe, KS passed away Nov. 25 at home, surrounded by family after a long battle with lung cancer. Fred was born July 20, 1944 in Bogota, Colombia, SA. He came to the United States with his family in 1956, living in Houston, TX and then in Queens, NY.
Fred graduated from Farmingdale Junior College, Long Island, NY. He later received his BS in Agronomy and Economics from KSU, where he met and married his beloved wife of 42 years, Kathryn Kempthorne. After a tour of duty in Vietnam, attaining the rank of Sergeant in the US Army, Fred and Kathy moved to the KC area. Fred worked as a commercial underwriter until 1984 when he and Kathy, together with their partner, Guy Simpson formed Accu-Rate Ins. Inc, a property and casualty insurance agency located in Shawnee, KS. Fred retired in August, 2011.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Edilberto and Lucila Bermudez. He is survived by Kathy of the home, his daughter, Rebekah Mallory (Colby), Overland Park, KS and his son, Brant (Jamie) Bermudez, Rio Rancho, NM and five grandchildren, Reyna and Julian Mallory, Lucila, Logan and Levi Bermudez. He is also survived by his brothers, Edgar (Mary Day Kent) of Philadelphia, PA and Edilberto (Elizabeth Gross) of Cary, NC and their children, Thomas, Sarah and Rene Bermudez.
Family, sports and nature were Fred's greatest passions. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and coach. Fred has been described by many as the "father I never had" and an example of how to be a great dad. As a natural coach, he inspired many to always do their best, try their hardest and never give up. Fred was a KSU Wildcat fan. He also enjoyed playing cards on Friday nights with longtime friends, full-court basketball with his senior buddies, taking meticulous care of his yard, riding his bicycle and attempting to master the game of golf with Kathy. Fred will be missed terribly by his family, many friends, and clients.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Olathe Hospice House Capital Campaign Fund. The family wishes to thank their many longtime friends, especially Mike and Karen Peterson, the staff of St. Luke's Cancer Institute and Olathe Home Health and Hospice for their loving care.
A memorial service celebrating Fred's life will be held at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Olathe Chapel, 14275 Blackbob Rd., Wednesday, November, 30 at 4:00 pm. A visitation will follow.