I am so sorry to hear of your passing, my teacher and friend. Mr. Mull you were a great teacher.  You taught our sociology class and we learned so much from you. When you showed us the prison, my girlfriend was shaken by the prisoners but we learned a lot from both sides of the fence. I wanted to tell you how great a teacher you were when you were alive, but I couldn't track you down in time. God bless you for the work that you have done.  I love you for the teaching, I have learned more than you will know thanks to you.

Many fond memories of growing up in the Sunset Lake neighborhood with the Mull family.  I remember Mr. Mull driving us kids with Jake to the shore one summer and giving us driving tips along the way.  He was always eager to share his knowledge and his viewpoints and I'll never forget that maniacal laugh.  Later on in high school he was a  chaperone for us on our trip to Denmark to play soccer.  It was such a great experience and both on the field and off.  I enjoyed getting to know him better on that trip and realizing what a unique and interesting person he was.  He definitely lived life on his own terms and in his own way.  My heartfelt sympathy to the whole Mull family for their loss.

Dear Marilyn,
I just learned last night at church that Clayton passed. I don’t have an address for you but please know I am sending you hugs and love.  God will see you through. I started a widows group at Sparta  Presbyterian. I have ten ladies now. Renae Clark is one of the ladies. If you ever feel up to joining us we would love to have you. It takes place second Monday of each month at 1:30 in the library.
Gail Shawger

Was my teacher at high point great man will be missed...Robert hahn

I’m sorry for your loss.  Much peace and grace for you and your family.

We all love you more than  you can ever imagine .

My mother, Ann Dolan Sekelsky, went to high school and college with Marilyn, and thus became a  friend of Clayton.  I can only remember his accelerating giggle that was infectious when I was four and forty!  He helped me remember the best of my father and was able to help my mother laugh.  For me, as I grew and would see him occasionally , he would probe my desire and help me see possibilities in my future and bring lightness to current hurdles.   Thank you Clayton for being such a wonderful spirit in my family’s life and may perpetual light shine upon you!!  God Bless!!

The whole Mull family were not only wonderful neighbors, but the kids were close friends with my kids growing up on Under Rock Rd.  As a fellow teacher, I am pleased to hear how much Mr. Mull's students thought of him and his teaching methods.  I would have loved to have been one of his students, myself!  On behalf of my children and me, we wish for the family that all of the love and appreciation shown in these many tributes will help ease your loss.

A teacher that inspired me to teach. Always challenged me to think outside the box. It’s been decades since I sat in his classroom but remember it like it was yesterday.

With deepest sympathy for your loss. Frank was the kind of person who once you met him left a lasting impression. He always encouraged his student to think and express their own ideas. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Rita McNaught

He was a wonderful and inspiring teacher! Unforgettable!

Grandpa was the guy that opened up my eyes to the world around us, whether it was taking a trip on a train (looking out the window the entire time), teaching me how to use a map, expanding our thinking outside of our own small world. He constantly challenged me, and engaged himself in anything I was remotely interested in. He was a philosopher, a friend, and a once-in-a-lifetime Grandfather.

Mr. Mull was my teacher and later my colleague at High Point.  As a student, I learned how to think critically and to engage in debate.  As a colleague he was kind and supportive as I worked my way through night school to become a history teacher and coincidentally my first classroom   was his former room.  Mr. Mull was a fearless, passionate teacher.  His wicked laugh  frequently echoed down the 200 wing  especially when he was involved in some type of good trouble. His life mattered to so many students; he will be remembered for caring about kids and for helping us learn how to embrace logical thinking. Thank you Mr. Mull.

Mr. Mull was an educator in the true sense. He didn’t want you to memorize and repeat—he wanted you to think, and care and respect. His quick wit, wisdom, and work ethic were ever present. Thank you for trying to bring out the best in everyone you taught.

We were fortunate enough to be with good friends at Clayton and Marilyn's home just before Clayton's passing.  This was the last time we saw him.  Clayton left an impression on everyone in his life.  Not everyone agreed with him or understood him.  He and I would frequently disagree on many topics, but ALWAYS with respect.  At first I could not understand his view.  Over the years, I have learned the error of my thinking and how his views on life were very much correct!  Ever the teacher, he made his students THINK!  He was a wonderful man, with a great family.  :We were very fortunate to be neighbors on Under Rock Road in Sparta, in fact he was one of the first people we met when we came to the neighborhood!  We enjoyed many good times together both there and later at the Van Kirk farm.  I shall miss talking with him and being challenged by him.  I know he is now at peace, probably having lively discussions with God and his angels.  Farewell sir, your legacy will live on forever.  - Bob Caggiano

Hi Great Grandpa Mull. I am so happy I got to spend time with you at the shore this summer. I want you to know Max is my new best friend and that I am playing, feeding, and taking care of him for you. I am sorry you didn’t get to meet Wesley, but we will tell him all about you. I love you very much!!!!

I learned yesterday of the passing of a former colleague, Frank Mull.  We shared years together at High Point Regional. Frank was consistently the best teacher I ever worked with. He was special not because of the facts he taught about U.S. History but because of how much he cared for each student he taught. He taught me how much that mattered. He taught kids how much they mattered. People who worked with Frank became better for the experience.  To the members of his family, thank you for sharing Frank with us. We are better for that experience.

Rich TenEyck

The name Frank Mull was notorious in my house even before I attended High Point - it was discussed that he taught students to question authority.  I imagine he was often very unpopular with some parents.  Of course, being a natural contrarian, I started high school with the need to understand what it was all about.  When I finally was able to take his class (Street Law, if I remember) I was not disappointed.  The man was a breathe of fresh air in a public school - a true iconoclast - but one who taught, and owned, the sense that ideas and argument are the true powers in the world.   He helped me channel my contrarianism into a sense of responsibility to try to have  a positive impact on the world around me.  

I saw him intermittently years later when I lived in Blairstown  (after he’d once stopped on the side of the road when my car broke down, because that is also the type of guy he was) Such a wonderful guy - he will be missed.

As my brother Mark mentioned, our childhood years in the Sunset Lake community are filled with many fond memories of Mr. Mull donating his time to ensure the children of the neighborhood were well taken care of.  It was later in life when Mr. Mull took on, what I am sure to be, one of the biggest challenges of his life.  This would be the restoration of a farm that hadn't seen any farming activity in decades.  A boy who grew up in Philadelphia building a farm? I had no doubt. Mr. Mull was one of the most skilled "handy men" I've ever known. In a few years the farm was thriving with livestock, planted feed, and equipment.  Mr. Mull handled this steep learning curve with such grace. It was at this time I learned of a hidden talent of Mr. Mull. He could combined multiple curse words to make one.  I've gone on in life using a few of these words, and received praise for my creativity, but never ones took credit. Mr. Mull had a true "heart of gold", and will be greatly missed by all. RIP my friend.

Mr. Mull was a great teacher. 

A story: I was in Mr. Hull’s sophomore history class in 1973 when Mr. Hill walked in, impromptu, and started saying provocative things (as was his wont) about the glories of Communism. He didn’t believe it - he was just getting us to think. I rose to the bait and he started peppering me with questions that I couldn’t answer. He walked out of the room and returned 60 seconds later with a book. He dropped it on my desk and said “Read Chapter Four” and left.  The next day he came into Mr. Hull’s class again and asked me if I read the chapter. I had, and learned a few things that I remember to this day. He asked me 3-4 questions, and I had the answers. He came over to my desk, took the book, said “Good lad”, and left. 

A great teacher.

Frank championed the cause and rights of teachers all his professional life. He leaves a legacy of contributions to education like few others. My condolences to my friend Marilyn and his children.

Mr Mull was an influencer. His presence in my life shaped who I am today. Sociology class at HPRHS 1974-75; he challenged the students to volunteer at Annandale Minimum Security Correctional Facility near Stokes State Forest. At the age of 17, I took the challenge and spent the year as a GED tutor for the inmates.  I have never forgotten the last day of class that year when Mr. Mull stood in front of the class and commended me on taking the challenge and finishing it.  

I went on to receive my BS in Corrections, later a Master’s in Social Work, and then a Doctorate Degree.

I now pass that torch on to students, to find a passion, follow a dream, and to live one’s own life! 

Thank you Mr. Mull
Peace be with the family.

I am so very grateful for his presence in my life.  I had the unique opportunity to have him as a relative and also as my High School History teacher.  He not only helped me break out of my shell but helped shape me into the adult I became.  Always a shining light, always supportive, always humorous, always in our hearts.

My brothers and I were fortunate to have grown up in Sparta and to have the Mull family as our neighbors. Although that was a long time ago, the memories are still very clear and are a reminder of the positive impact Clayton had on our lives. I remember the rides in the back of his truck to football practice, baseball practice, and visits to the farm. What I remember most was his words of encouragement, dedication to family, and of course, his sense of humor.

I met Clayton about 7 or 8 years ago at a chair  yoga class at Prana for Peace in Stillwater. That group that met every Wednesday for many years became "family we got to choose".  And thanks to  Clayton's, (among other attendees), sense of humor, we dubbed our class Chuckle Chair Yoga.  We got some of the rust out AND had a very amusing time doing so!  My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.  Grateful to have known him. 
Sincerely,
Debbie Wanamaker

OBITUARY

Frank Clayton Mull

13 August, 1934 – 12 November, 2023

Goble Funeral Home

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