Frank B. Waldo

Dr. Frank Waldo died on December 24, 2014, aged 93. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Bryson Waldo, and by his infant son, Paul Giles Waldo. He was born June 21, 1921 in El Reno Oklahoma. He was a member of a pioneer Oklahoma family. His grandfather had entered the Oklahoma territory with the Boomers. He graduated from the College of the Pacific, Stockton California in 1942 and joined the U.S. Navy shortly after Pearl Harbor. He was chosen by the Navy to become a physician and was transferred to Tuscaloosa to attend the University of Alabama School of Medicine. In Tuscaloosa he met the love of his life, Betty Jo Bryson. They were married in 1947 and shared 31 years of happiness. He served two years of active duty in the Navy Medical Corp during the Korean War. In 1952 he entered the practice of pediatrics in Homewood. He was the first pediatrician to practice south of Red Mountain. Over 35 years his solo practice grew to become the Mayfair Medical Group. His commitment to his patients was deep and lasting. He cared for two and three generations of many families. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and a past president of the Jefferson County Pediatric Society. After retirement from practice he became the Associate Medical Director of Children's Hospital of Alabama for 13 years until his second retirement in 2000. During college he discovered and fell in love with the Episcopal Church. He was a faithful member of All Saints' Episcopal Church in Homewood where he served several terms on the vestry. Classical music was dear to his heart and he was very proud to have helped spearhead the installation of a pipe organ for All Saints' and to have given chimes in memory of his wife, Betsy. He regularly attended the symphony until his death. In his eighties he discovered Opera, which he came to love. He loved to fish and travel as he had time and opportunity. He was a voracious reader. Perhaps most of all, he adored his grandchildren and took great pleasure in their lives and accomplishments. Holding his first great-grandson, Reid, in his arms brought a special sparkle to his eyes. He is survived by his son, Dr. Bryson Waldo (Dr. Belinda) and grandchildren, Melissa Waller (Abba), Mark Waldo and Abby Waldo, and great-grandson, Reid Waller. Funeral services will be held at All Saints' Episcopal Church on Saturday January 3, 2015 at 11:30 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, preceding the service. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, John Rideouts Valley Chapel directing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints' Episcopal Church, Homewood or the Children's Hospital of Alabama.