Frank Reed Whitman Jr.

Frank Reed Whitman Jr. was born on October 16, 1935, in Scranton, PA to two very special parents. Orpha Belle Hughes Whitman and Frank Reed Whitman Sr. provided him with a wonderful example of how to live an exemplary life and guided him in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

He was a graduate of West Scranton High School in 1953 and a member of the mixed chorus, three years both on, the varsity football team and the track team competing in hurdles. He worked at Eureka Specialty before entering the United States Air Force. While at home after graduating from basic training, he met and married Shirley Jane Phillips on April 7, 1956, and moved to Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts where he flew on the nation’s first early warning radar airborne platform, the RC-121D. While there, they welcomed the blessing of their first-born son, Frank William in 1957. Less than a year and a half later they welcomed their daughter Sharon Lee. He remained in the USAF for four years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant early. After well and faithfully serving the Air Force, he chose to exchange his military service for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a government air traffic controller in 1959. Three of his sons followed in his steps to serve in the United States military. While serving the FAA in Pittsburgh, PA, their third child, Robert Allen was born. He was transferred to the Oberlin Ohio Air Route Traffic Control Center in 1962 and while there, his last two sons, Randall Scott and Jeffrey Reed, were born. Frank performed so well he was promoted to Area/Team Supervisor in 1972 and eventually retired from federal service on January 3, 1986, after 27 years and six months. Including his military service, he gave 30 years and six months of his life to serving his nation.

Frank always had a grateful heart and gave of his time and gifts freely. While living in Ohio, he continued to serve at Our Savior Lutheran Church (now Christ Lutheran Church) for many years as president of council, building chairman and any other opportunities as the needs arose. Having an excellent bass voice, he sang in the Elyria Cascade Chordsmen (Barbershop Chorus) and was selected to sing in the quartet “Olde Tyme Design”. For seven years they provided performances for the public, delighting various children’s audiences also with their puppet rendition of Shirley Temple’s hit song “Animal Crackers.”

Frank and Shirley sold their home in Lorain, Ohio and bought an Airstream travel trailer and enjoyed many of our country’s beautiful areas in their trailer full time. They met and added to their many lifelong and dearly loved friends during this time. They eventually decided to settle down at the Tropical Haven Mobile Home Park in Melbourne, FL in 1997. Once again, he offered his services as president to council overseeing various committees providing guidance and benevolence efforts alongside the church body and enjoyed working with his fellow church members. Frank was greatly loved and honored by many and leaves a lasting legacy of faithful service and genuine love for others.

Frank and Shirley were blessed with five children, 17 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, both of his brothers, William and Norman, sisters Eleanor and Elaine, his nephew David Phillips and grandson Isaac Gregory Whitman. He is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Sharon (Nick) Vermilion, OH, sons Frank Wm. of Lorain, OH, Robert (Cass) Melbourne, FL, Randall (Susan) Bellevue, NE and Jeffrey of Jacksonville, FL.

Memorial services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Lorain Ohio on August 19, 2023. The gathering of family and friends will be from 10:00am-11:00am, with services to follow at 11:00am. Celebration of Life service at Tropical Haven is pending. In memory of Frank Whitman, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Christ Lutheran Church, 4501 Clinton Ave., Lorain, OH 44055.

An incredibly special thank you to Hospice Health First and their staff and faculty, and to Dr. Sahay and her staff for their wonderful care.

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