Fred A. Story (Tulia)

Tulia, Texas--Lifelong illusionist and magical entertainer Fred Arthur Story passed away at the age of 82 on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2013. Fred was born in Plainview, Texas on October 17, 1931 to Robert E. and Nadine Story. Fred became interested in magic tricks at the age of five when his barber Harvey Gaddis in Plainview, Texas would perform sleight-of-hand in trade of him sitting still in the barber chair. Fred graduated from Kemper Military School in Booneville, Missouri in 1951. He married his lifelong sweetheart Ann Cowan on August 9, 1952 and the two of them celebrated their honeymoon at that summer’s Abbott’s Magic Get-Together. Fred earned a BS degree in History and Education from Texas Tech University in 1954. He joined the US Air Force in 1954 and was discharged in 1956 and later was discharged as a Captain in the Air Force Reserves. Fred and his wife Ann performed professionally for over 20 years throughout the United States with one of the last great touring illusion shows. Fred’s career included owning The Magic Shop in Lubbock, Texas and a photography studio in Tulia, Texas. Fred is perhaps most known in magic circles for his finely crafted and highly collectible Camelot Creations magic props. Fred and Ann were honored with the lifetime achievement award the 2003 Lubbock, Texas Association of Magicians convention. An avid magic collector and historian, Fred was a member of the West Texas Wizards in Lubbock, the Magic Collectors Association, the Society of American Magicians and an Order of Merlin Excelsior of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother Robert C. Story. Fred is survived by his wife Ann, His daughter Carol Allen of Tulia, his son, Larry of Lubbock, four grandsons and four great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church. Cremation services are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Rose Hill Cemetery or the First United Methodist Church of Tulia.