Frank Edward Tonge

Frank Edward Tonge 79, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved and forever sweetheart wife Linda of 58 years at his side on May16th 2023. Early that morning cool winds came in and beautiful clouds filled the sky. Ushering him into Heaven with a Glorious array of colors at Sunrise in May.

Frank Edward Tonge was born Nov 6, 1943 in Lafayette, Louisiana. He was the 3rd born son of four sons to parents Woodrow Wilson and Yvonne Marie (Delcambre) Tong. His parents as well as his two older brothers, Sonny and Ronnie, proceeded him in death. He is survived by his youngest brother Raymond James Tong of Colorado Springs, CO and his oldest nephew Chris Tong of Buffalo, TX, as well as several other nieces and nephews. He is survived by his only son, Sean Michael Tonge, wife Jennifer and two Beautiful Granddaughters' Taylor Noelle and Kiley Nicolle both University Graduates - 2020 - All of Gilbert, AZ. His only Daughter, Anna-Lisa Tonge-Souers, husband Dean Souers of Gold Canyon, AZ. His beloved wife and forever sweetheart Linda K (Herzberg) Tonge of 58 years. Mesa, AZ where they resided happily ever after in Dobson Ranch at their "Home Sweet Home." Since moving from Colorado Springs, CO to new career opportunity to Arizona in 1978.

Frank was USAF Veteran of 10 Years-8, Active 2 Reserves at NORAD Air Defense Command Colorado Springs, CO. He attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, LA from 1961-1962 as a Business Major and completed his 2 year required courses in one year. He decided to join the USAF in order to pursue further interests and career opportunities. Because of his Physical stature and Academic background, he became part of an elite Team and went from Lackland, TX AF Base and Arrived to Eglin AF Base - C-5A - Florida - Sept 1962. It is there in 1962 he believes he was exposed to Agent Orange testing for several weeks. He was transferred from Eglin to USAFA- Colorado Springs, CO in late summer of 1964.

Frank had a very commanding presence Tall Strong Solid Confident--The Best of the USAF. He became attaché for both Military and Government Dignitaries and VIPs that frequented the USAFA His Powerful Military presence, along with his Protocol and Police Intelligence created a unique position at the USAFA. He met the Love of his Life, his soon to be wife Linda of Colorado Springs, CO during one of those functions- They Met -Fell in Love and Married in1964. A True Love Story.

Son, Sean Michael was born at the USAFA a year later and Christened at the USAFA Chapel. Frank got orders 18 months later to fly to Elmendorf get his Artic Gear and report to Galena, Alaska after returning to Colorado Springs after a year in Galena, Alaska He was told he would be in Sac Command perhaps heading for Guam. He loved the Air Force but it became clear He would be in Sac Command. It was at this time after 8 years Frank decided to Discharge out of Active Duty and remain in the Reserves at NORAD Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs, CO for 2 years. Meanwhile, he pursued other opportunities and started a Commercial Contracting Business to build Military Housing in Kansas. Unfortunately, Frank lost his left eye in an accident. His Military career/reserves ended so he went on to pursue the Government Commercial Construction Contracts and was awarded them. He employed so many Vets and guys he knew that he became well known in Colorado Springs, to employ Vets- way before it became a popular concept. In 1978, Frank was asked to head the Western Division for Burger King Corp. by Chief Executive from Rono Corp. of Florida.-Included Arizona and California. Frank and Linda Sean and Anna were very excited about their new adventure so ready to move to Arizona. The Corp. liked Frank and his family and offered them 2-week stay at Scottsdale resort with pay thru Holidays.

That was Holidays 1977-78 Needless to say It was a Dream Come True long lasting adventure for many years Frank's Commercial Construction Career excelled as he went on to major Commercial Construction Projects.

One of his most impressive major commercial projects was in 1998 -Business News Scottsdale, AZ LINCOLN TOWNE CENTRE located at/on Indian School Road and Civic Center Boulevard. Scottsdale, AZ Encompassing 4 four square blocks 5 stories underground parking and incorporated several high rise Hotels. It was a massive development in the Heart of downtown Scottsdale referred to as the 'VATICAN" by many. No disrespect intended as Frank was raised Catholic They referred to him as Pope Frank as he ran the project and gave his OK/blessing for any or all changes Needless to say there was great respect for all that worked there It was an unbelievable feat to complete with no injuries and overhead steel beams rotating over a 5 story depth. The photos say a million words - Frank moved over a million yards of dirt, and built and completed it all on Time. Greatest Accomplishment in his Commercial Construction Career. Many will remember Frank for it always. In 2008, he was building another Hilton Hotel in Chandler, AZ.

He was taken to Chandler Regional Hospital ER Feb 14, 2008 He was 63. Frank was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and several other issues This is where his Battle began 15 years ago and after hospital after hospital even so, Frank Never Gave Up He Loved Life Too Much So after many Hospital stays & several Pacemakers and Defibrillators every 6 years Frank still maintained his Happy Life and Lived Everyday to His Best and managed to Remodel their Home. He had a Valiant Heart and Strong Spirit for Life- He loved his Family-He Loved his Sweetheart Wife. He talked as though He Would Never Go - after all he had beaten all the odds every time so many times over time. Every time he came out of the hospital, he was just as Valiant Handsome and Strong and ready to carry on. He came home after being in hospitals after 5 weeks and was so happy to be Home as was Linda to have him. He was Back at Home Sweet Home as he would love to say and started the day with his Great way of saying, "Good Morning Sunshine!" He would smile and say to his sweetheart wife Linda and she would reply the same. Frank said to Linda "All I want to Do is to be Home with You-That's All I Ever Want is to be Home Sweet Home with my sweetheart next to my heart.

Frank passed peacefully away early am on the 16th of May - 2023. He Was an Amazing Man - A Superman - A Knight in Shining Armor What Linda first thought when she met him at 17 and married him at 18 He was a Knight in Shining Armor in his Military attire Strong and Handsome and 21. That's where this True Love Story had Begun... and it will Never Ever End... as His Spirit Will Live on Forever.

A memorial gathering for Frank will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 South Dobson Road, Mesa, Arizona 85202.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the Tonge family.