Frederic W. Donour, Jr – With heavy hearts we say goodbye to a true original, Fred (Phredd) Donour, who passed away in his sleep on October 21, 2017 at the age of 77.  Born in St. Louis, MO on October 15, 1940 to Fred and Eileen Donour, Fred came to Norfolk as a military service member in 1960 and made his life and career here after his honorable discharge from the United States Navy.

Fred’s intellect and fantastic sense of humor were two of the attributes that equipped him to be such a talented writer, winning numerous Addy awards throughout his advertising career. Fred began his career at Major and Bie Advertising, later known as Seamark Advertising; was a Vice-President of Studio Center Corp; a writer with Lawler Ballard Advertising and retired from his own company of Maxwell/Donour Advertising in 2002. In his retirement he was an avid amateur photographer and combed the Internet daily for nuggets of funny wisdom to send out to his extensive email list. In later years his favorite evening out was dinner and a martini at Fellinis with Debbie.

Everyone who has known Fred over the years has a funny Phredd story to tell and the stories always made for hilarious dinners and fun times that will endure in our memories.

Fred was predeceased by his parents. Left to tell the Phredd tales are; the love of his life and wife of 38 years, Debbie Cotton Donour; brother Charles E. Donour of San Diego CA; children Tommy Tomlinson and Westley Parker and husband Charlie; grandsons Tommy and Ethan; nieces Kristin Shultz, Michele Goode-Bacon and families; best buds Paul Schnable and Gary Ball, extended family and anyone who has a fond memory of Phredd.

In accordance with his wishes Fred’s remains have been donated to the Anatomy Gifts Registry for scientific research. With his ever present sense of humor he said, “they can learn a lot from me.” Memorial donations in Fred’s name can be made to puppiesbehindbars.com. We are planning a celebration of Fred’s life at a later date. Our dear and fun Phredd has left the building.