On Tuesday July 3, 2018 our husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed peacefully from this life. Frank was born October 24, 1930 to George Henry and Evelyn Woodyatt Longson. Frank married Betty Stevens on June 15, 1956 and began building a loving posterity (6 children, 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Their firstborn, Julie, passed away at the age of 12 from Leukemia. Their living posterity is Mark (Chris), Greg (Dorothy), Jill Toone (Terry), Matt (Kristin) and the most awesome of all, David. David was born with Down Syndrome, but Frank and Betty showed all of us how to love those who are different. Betty died in 2007 and Frank met and married Dorretta Probasco in 2009 who not only loved Frank but also became an incredible mother to David.
Frank and his sister Jane enjoyed a wonderful childhood. He took on his father’s unique sense of humor which continues to be passed on to his posterity (to the chagrin of some!) Shortly after the conclusion of World War II, Frank served a 30-month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Paris, France mission. The French language and culture became major components of their lives and Frank and Betty served a mission together in France from 1996-98. They inspired their posterity with their service and commitment to the Gospel. In addition to many callings, Frank served as a temple ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple for 11 years and knew every part perfectly.
After graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in the burgeoning field of electrical engineering, Frank enjoyed a career inventing and selling medical devices including working for Cook Medical for over twenty years. Frank and Betty traveled the world, but they were most happy when serving their family. In 1978, Frank and Betty purchased a cabin in Brighton, Utah and began a love affair with Brighton and with continuously upgrading the cabin. Many joyous hours were spent with family at the cabin. Frank and Betty were avid skiers and taught all their children to love the sport.
We are saddened by Frank’s death but know he has reunited with Betty and Julie, and Henry and Evelyn. We celebrate knowing through his example that death is but a stepping stone in our eternal progression. Frank may at times have been too frank, but he never left any doubt how much he loved us and his Savior.
Funeral services will be at 11 am 0n July 11, 2018 at the Cottonwood 2nd Ward (2080 E 5165 S in Holladay, Utah). Viewings will be held at the same location on July 10, 2018 from 6-8 pm and July 11, 2018 from 9:30-10:30 am. Internment is at Wasatch Lawn. In lieu of flowers, do what made Frank most happy, spend time with your family.
