Frank Benjamin Morkes

Frank B. Morkes passed away on November 26, 2016 at St. Josephs Hosipital in Orange, California. He was 91 years old. The son of William and Ruth Morkes, Frank was born in Okeene, Oklahoma on January 22,1925.He had two sisters and one brother who preceded him in death. As a young man Frank served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII on the island of Guam. He returned to Oklahoma to marry Verla Dobrinski and after the birth of their first child they moved to California. They continued to expand their family to five children and lived for many years in Whittier, California before eventually moving back to their hometown in Oklahoma to assist Frank's ailing mother, Ruth, when her health began to decline. Frank and his wife eventually returned to California. Frank had many loves and passions. Verla, his wife of 65 years, his family and friends were always his priority. He was employed for many years as a grocery clerk both in California and in Oklahoma. He was dedicated, loyal, tenacious and always very hard working. He loved the outdoors. Many camping trips and fishing holes helped to create lasting memories for those who knew and loved him. Frank was an amazing fisherman and always had a story about the one that got away. After retiring the camping trips became casino trips. He would never turn down a trip to the casino. He was not always lucky but always willing to try. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Verla; four daughters and one son: Debbie Pickett of Laguna Beach, CA, Cindy Strege of Reno, NV, Terri Eckerman of Witchita, KS, Tammy Wayne of Orange, CA, and Joe Morkes of Whittier, CA.; twelve grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. Funeral service will be held on December 1, 2016 and his final interment will be at the National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.