Fred & Phyllis Schlafly

Fred Schlafly (1909-1993) was married to Phyllis Schlafly for 43 years and the father of six children. A graduate of Georgetown University and Harvard Law School, he practiced law in Alton, Illinois for 50 years. Fred Schlafly epitomized what it means for a husband to support his wife. He fully supported Phyllis financially, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Fred made it possible for Phyllis to do all of the things that she did: write books and columns, lobby legislatures, speaking and media appearances, and start a movement. Her tremendous success was enabled by her marriage to Fred Schlafly. He was her biggest champion, but also her trusted critic. Fred encouraged her, he was immensely proud of her, and he read what she wrote and freely “censored” and edited her work.

Eagle Forum, founded by Phyllis Schlafly, recognizes that none of us live and work alone. We are part of a family. Our members are able to volunteer because they have a strong support at home. Eagle Forum proudly recognizes how crucial a supportive husband is to his wife and family.

2025
The Fred Schlafly Award for Supportive Husband went to Kurt Koehle, husband of Orlean Koehle of California. Orlean is the past President of Eagle Forum California.
2024
The Fred Schlafly Award for Supportive Husband went to Chris Ullman husband of Kristen A. Ullman of Virginia. Kristen is the President of Eagle Forum.
2023
The Fred Schlafly Award for Supportive Husband went to Wes Wilmot, husband of Kathy Wilmot of Nebraska. Kathy is the Eagle Forum leader in Nebraska.
2022
The Fred Schlafly Award for Supportive Husband went to Mike Hawkins, husband of Janine Hansen Hawkins of Nevada. Janine has been an Eagle Forum leader in Nevada since fighting the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s. Her commitment to the U.S. Constitution is unwavering.
2020
Mark Hearne was awarded Eagle Forum’s 2020 Fred Schlafly Award, which honors husbands who have distinguished themselves by showing extraordinary support and encouragement to enable their wives to pursue faithful conservative activism. Donna Hearne frequently credited her beloved husband, Mark, with enabling her to so effectively engage in defending America’s founding principles.
2019
The Fred Schlafly Award for Supportive Husband went to Dr. Homer Adams, husband of Cathie Adams of Texas, and Ron Patray, husband of Bobbie Patray of Tennessee.
2018
Bill Linton, the husband of longtime Eagle leader and board member, Lois Linton, received our Fred Schlafly Award, presented to the man standing behind and next to the woman, just as Fred Schlafly did with Phyllis.
2017
In 2017, the first annual “Fred Schlafly Award for Supportive Husband” was presented to Mark Andrews (husband of Pat Andrews) and Don Ruzicka (husband of Gayle Ruzicka).