Franklin Delano Scheffers

Franklin Delano “Frank” Scheffers, age 84, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025. He was born on December 11, 1940, in Coon Rapids, Iowa, and raised in Jefferson, Iowa, where he graduated from Jefferson High School in 1958. Known affectionately by friends and family as “Sunny,” Frank was admired for his warm smile, quick wit, and positive spirit. He proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and traveling the world during his distinguished military career from 1960 to 1980.

In 1962, he married the love of his life, Helen Scheffers, with whom he shared 63 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life full of laughter, family, and adventure.

Frank and Helen were blessed with three loving daughters — Pamela, Terri, and Trina — who were the center of his world. He took immense pride in the strong, compassionate women they became and loved watching them build their own families. Frank’s daughters remember him as a steady and loving presence — a teacher, protector, and constant source of humor and encouragement. He taught them the value of hard work, honesty, and kindness, and he never missed a chance to remind them to find joy in the little things.

Family gatherings were always filled with good food, laughter, and stories about his handyman or hunting adventures gone wrong. He especially loved when the grandkids were around — whether he was showing them how to garden, shooting hoops, or sneaking them an extra dessert, he had a way of making each one feel uniquely loved.

Frank was a talented and devoted organic gardener, a lifelong basketball enthusiast, and a true foodie who found joy in sharing great meals with family and friends. Known as a “jack of all trades,” there was nothing he couldn’t fix, build, or improve. He and Helen cherished time spent with their close circle of friends — from traveling adventures to Friday night dinners and dancing at the Elks Lodge, where Frank was a proud member for 45 years. Those evenings were filled with laughter, music, and the simple joy of good company — all things Frank valued most in life.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Helen Scheffers, his three daughters and their spouses: Pamela and Robbie Linton, Terri and Bob Coligan, and Trina and Bill Araiza. Frank was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren (Jake, Carson, Kalob, Carlie, Campbell, Bramm, and Clyde) as well as three great-grandchildren (Tyler, Evander, Jodye) who will forever cherish his warmth, humor, and love. He is also survived by his brothers Mike and Jack Theulen, and sister Jane Rutter.

He was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Pettit, and his siblings Bonnie, Barbara, and Danny.

Frank will be remembered for his joyful smile, his kindness toward everyone he met, and his ability to make any room brighter simply by being in it.

Directly following the services, the family warmly invites friends and loved ones to join them for a lunch and a celebration of Frank’s life at the Elks Lodge, 601 West Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76010

In Lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Frank’s memory, honoring his courage and compassion shown throughout his journey.