On July 17, 2018 Frank Daniel Martindale Sr. was released from his earthly bonds to be with his Lord in his heavenly realm. Along with the Lord, we are certain the love of his life Phyllis Ann Martindale was there by his side to welcome him to his new home. Funeral services will be held at 12:30pm on Monday July 23, 2018 in the Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory St. with burial to follow. Frank will be laid to rest with his wife at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, Texas. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 5 to 7pm on Sunday evening at the funeral home.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years whose passing was just a little over a year ago. It has been said that a broken heart was the condition that Frank most suffered from. Frank is survived by his 3 children, son Frank (Danny) Jr., his wife Deborah and their son Joseph; son Jonathan, his wife Marla, sons Joshua, Chris and daughter Stacy; daughter Sonya, her husband David Wilburn and their sons, David, Matthew and Timothy. Plus, numerous great-Grandchildren along with the many friends and their children who have become members of an extensive extended family.
Frank was a retired member of the United States Air Force. With permission from his Dad, Frank joined the Air Force at the age of 17 years and 3 weeks. Frank was a Vietnam Vet and as a Load Master on multiple types of aircraft, served in many countries all around the world. He served his country proudly for 27 years and 9 months before retiring as a Sr. Master Sergeant from Dyess AFB. Upon his military retirement Frank continued to serve in the Civil Service for an additional 17 years at Tinker AFB, Mid-West City, Oklahoma. He was a founding member of the Big Country Chapter of the Professional Loadmasters Association in Abilene and a member of the Dyess’ VFW Post 6873. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America during the time that his two sons were members and continued his support all the years his five grand-sons were members. He also could be caught selling a box or two of Girl Scout cookies as his daughter continued in her Scouting career.
Upon his second retirement, Frank settled on his 10-acres of land north of Tye, TX in the first house he and Phyllis ever called their own. Retirement consisted of playing ranch hand to cattle, horses, donkeys, sheep, guinea hens, chickens, turkeys, quail, dogs and numerous barn cats.
During his life, Frank with his wife Phyllis showed their love for one another in a way that all around them could see and share in the feeling. When you were at their home, whether you were part of the family tree or not, you were treated as family. This may have meant you were building something, repairing something or cleaning something, but you were family. Holidays consisted of a full house, family and friends, laughter, memories and always good food.
It has been said that they broke the mold after Frank. As his children, we have lost not only our Dad but our mentor, our teacher, our disciplinarian, our friend and the best example of what it was meant to be a real man, loving husband, beloved father, grandfather and friend to all. Give Mom a big hug from us all, Love Ya.
The family ask that in lieu of flowers that contributions be given in Frank and Phyllis’ names to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org), Wounded Warriors (woundedwarriorproject.org) and/or Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch (CalFarley.org).
You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhomes.com.
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