When Albert was at the tender age of eight, his father passed away. He began spending his days helping out on the family farm to lighten the work load. With this responsibility, Albert had to pass the chance to continue his education. Looking back on his childhood, Albert realized just how valuable a good education can be, and this is where his passion began. Albert was a guiding hand in the establishment of the Posey Township Fire Department where he volunteered.

Freda’s family roots follow all the way back to German immigrants who came to America seeking coal mining job opportunities. She obtained the love of music from her father.  Freda had such a love for music; when she graduated high school she began her degree towards musical education. Once graduated, Freda taught music and art for over thirty years in Indiana.

There are currently two funds listed in Albert and Freda DeCoursey’s name, which are the Albert and Freda Eder DeCoursey Scholarship Fund and the Albert and Freda Eder DeCoursey Community Fund.  The funds were established within the Clay County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Wabash Valley Community Foundation.

The purpose of the Scholarship Fund is to provide aide for Clay County residents who have or will be graduating from a Clay County high school. The first scholarship from this fund was administered in 2003.

Eligibility requires that:

• You are resident of Clay County, Indiana.
• You are a graduate from a Clay County high school
• You are pursuing the study of the creative arts or performing arts, such as music, the visual arts, theatre, dance, or creative writing or individuals who are pursuing the study of education for teaching the creative arts or performing arts.