Frank Edward Reina

Frank Edward Reina was born on December 11, 1939 in Fresno, California to Samuel and Mildred Reina. When he was 14 years old, he moved to Bakersfield to live with his grandmother, Emma Narramore. He attended Bakersfield High School and graduated in 1958. He would say, “Once a Driller, always a Driller.”

Frank was a perennial salesman. He sold clothing, soap, cars and homes as well as being a general building contractor. At one of his earliest jobs at Brock’s Department store, he met the girl who would become the love of his life, Nancy. She and her mother had been shopping for Easter clothes for her brother. Frank told the credit department that he needed to contact Mrs. Hitchcock about her sale and convinced them to give him her home phone number. He was successful in his pursuit, and he and Nancy were married September 19, 1959.

In 1961, Frank and Nancy welcomed their first child, Steven Derek, and in 1963 they completed their family by adding a daughter, Sheri Lynne. Frank always found time to be at his children’s, Grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s activities. He was involved with boy scouts and the PTA. He was at every sporting event, dance recital, musical performance, and birthday party. He was the one standing there beaming with pride.

Frank’s greatest passion was sharing the message of Christ where ever he went. Each hospital stay was simply an opportunity to share the Gospel and keep those divine appointments. A local coffee shop was the setting of a weekly prayer breakfast. A waitress commented that he always said, “Let me ask you a question…” His service to God’s kingdom and the Matthew 28 commission was his lifelong work.

Frank loved sports and his teams: the Raiders, the Lakers, and his Angels. He would always say, “I have it on good authority that the World Series will be in Anaheim this year.” (He was right in 2002).

Frank entered his rest on February 1, 2021 and all who knew him know he heard these words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Mildred; his sister, Joyce; and son, Steven. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy; his brother, Samuel Reina; Sister, Patricia Strong and her husband, Charlie. Daughter, Sheri Best and Son in Love, Bobby. Grandson, Jonathan and wife, Carissa; Granddaughter, Kelsey and fiancée, Ryan; Granddaughter, Marissa and husband, Kyle.

Frank leaves six much loved great-grand-children: Kylee Briann, Jack Waylon, Bobbi Lyn, Whitley Jean, Daisy Mae and Logan Rose. Also left to celebrate Frank’s memory are Niece, Janet Bair along with her husband, Jon and daughter Kristen Gibson; Niece, Kimberly Gauither; several special nieces and nephews; church family and life-long friends.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Adventist Hospital for their care and concern during this difficult time. Dr. Viral Mehta holds a special place in our hearts for the care that he provided to Frank since his heart attack in 1992.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ’s Church of the Valley, Harvest Herald’s Ministry, or any youth program.

Celebration of life will be held at Christ’s Church of the Valley, 13701 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA at 3:00 pm.