Frank supporting and encouraging me through my career.

Frank never missed my most important life events!

Frank was a very good friend of mine for the last  20+ years. Being many miles apart from my own family, I considered Frank a surrogate big brother, whose wise counsel I  greatly valued and companionship I  treasured.  His ability to tell captivating, and often amusing stories of his colorful past was amazing. His love of his extended family was deep, exemplary, and a source a great pride for him.
He was always ready to help when needed, and stood by me in times of difficulty. During a very dark period, he pulled me up and set me back on my feet, for which I will be forever grateful. 
I miss him very much, and pray he is at joyful peace in the presence of the Lord.

I am so, so sorry for the loss of Frank. Frank (call sign "Big Dog") and I flew jets together for many years.  It was always a joy to fly with Frank, we had terrific fun together, laughing at each other when we dropped a bad bomb or made a firm landing.  He was a true and faithful friend, always had your back.  A patriot and warrior.  I will miss him terribly.  Here's a nickel in the grass for you, my friend. 

Don Windt

Frank was my mentor, my friend, and someone I truly looked up to. He was always willing to offer advice and encouragement to help others achieve their goals. I admired him for his honesty—he wasn’t afraid to let you know when course corrections were needed to get back on path. His love for others shone through his leadership, mentoring, and volunteer work. He was truly one of a kind!

For several years during the late 1980’s Frank Countryman was assigned to a flying (test pilot) position with the 930th CAMS (the A-10 Maintainers).  He later transitioned to the 434ARW and piloted the KC-135 Stratotankers which are based at Grissom ARB, IN and are frequently deployed on various world-wide missions.  

Attached is a picture of LtCol. Frank Countryman that has been displayed in the Grissom Air Museum Hall of Honor for many years.  I would often show various tour groups this picture and then invite one person in my tour group to strike a similar pose by the A-10 in the Grissom Air Museum Air Park.   Taking a picture of GAM visitors striking the “Frank Countryman” fighter pilot pose has become part of my normal GAM Air Park docent activities.   I actually featured pictures of several GAM distinguished visitors striking a similar pose in the Summer 2024 issue of the Grissom Air Museum Gazette.  As an aircraft maintenance officer serving with many Air Force Reservists at Grissom ARB, I always enjoyed my conversations with my Grissom colleague Frank Countryman.   I'm confident Frank has now already heard these words of welcome to eternal life... "Well done you good and faithful servant!" 
Several fond memories of Frank and his Air Force service continue to live on with friends and colleagues who served with him at Grissom ARB and who have seen his picture in the Hall of Honor at the Grissom Air Museum.   
Regards, Frank R. Faulkner, Col. US Air Force, (Retired) 
GAM Volunteer and Editor, The Grissom Air Museum Gazette

I am so sorry to hear Frank has passed. He was a unique, caring individual. Strong willed but would go above and beyond to help you out. He was by far my favorite squadron Chief Pilot while I was in the Air Force. I deployed with Frank during the second Gulf War. He and I were on the same crew. He was always a joy to fly with. He will missed. 

Blue Skies and Tailwinds, my friend

Much sympathy for the Countryman family. I have lots of memories of Frank and his family. We checked in at Grissom AFB the same day with a future flying the A-10.  We commuted together from Indy to Grissom for years.   His wife, Libby was the realtor for a house we sold in Indy.   My wife Cyndi was the pastor that officiated his son’s wedding.  Frank was a good friend and he will be missed.  Through his son Kevin, I was able to FaceTime with Frank before he passed. I feel grateful to have known Frank for many years and lots of memories .

Frank was bigger than life!!! Fit in a A10 Warthog like a well dressed suit...I am glad to have know and served with Colonel Frank Countryman.

I’m saddened to hear of Frank’s passing and sending prayers for his family. I flew KC-135s with Frank at Grissom and when I came in as a shiny new 2nd LT I was intimidated by his presence. But then as I got to know him and go on trips and deployments with him I really enjoyed my time with him. His calm demeanor and wisdom were things I tried to emulate from him. I’ll never forget that when all hell was happening on 9/11 I called into Grissom and Frank was who answered. While we don’t know what was happening, talking to him somehow helped. After I left Grissom, I would often wonder what he was up to after all these years.  He will certainly be missed.

Frank was a great person. I knew him when came into the Command Post for SOF  duties he would pass his wisdom to the controllers on the capabilities of the Tanker and when asked about the A-10. To me he was a person you talk to.

Jerry Humphrey..

Frank was the pilot assigned to the A-10 that I was assigned as assistant Crew chief on at Grissom ARB. We shared many good times and also sad times with especially when he was the wingman for Doc Evans qualification mission that I launched out on that Doc never returned from. He was one of my mentors. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers for his family. RIP my friend.

I am sad to hear of Frank's passing. He was always kind, friendly, and easy to talk to. He will be missed by all who knew him—my deepest condolences to his family.

My most sincere condolences to the family.  Frank was a one of a kind, and one of the most unique persons whom I met in the military.  A true patriot.   He will be missed.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. He was truly one of the best—an awesome friend, outstanding pilot, and an even better person to everyone.

I had the privilege of getting to know Frank when he transitioned from flying A-10s to the KC-135. From the very first trip with him, it was clear how exceptional he was. I always loved flying with Frank at the controls—he took great care of his crew chiefs and made everyone around him better and more confident.

One of my favorite memories will always be listening to Frank and Don Windt talking over the headset during a combat descent, flying that KC-135 like it was an A-10 fighter—spiraling down from 10,000 feet and touching down with absolute precision. Hearing Don say, “Looking real good, Frank,” said everything. That was Frank—professional, skilled, calm, and trusted.

I am also deeply grateful to his son for calling my girlfriend, Gayle, and me when he knew his dad was nearing the end. Because of that kindness, we were able to come to the hospital and see Frank before he passed. It was truly an honor to be in that room with him and his loving family during such a sacred and meaningful moment.

Frank left a lasting impression on all of us who had the honor to fly with him. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who served alongside him.

With deepest sympathy,
Chuck Hoover

It is with sincere condolences that I hear of Frank’s passing. I was a pilot with him at Grissom and he taught me to fly by looking out the window and off instruments. He was a good man. He will truly be missed.

My sincere condolences to the family.  I had the privilege of flying with Frank in the A10 at Grissom and was on an Eastern aircraft with him and Libby as he was going to interview. I think he was in my fini flight in the KC135. He will be missed. Like the rest of us will, he just ran out of runway. May he Rest in Peace.

Bob Nester.

OBITUARIO

Frank W. Countryman Jr.

17 junio, 1947 – 1 enero, 2026

Leppert Mortuaries - Nora

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