Frank Andrew “Whaley” Poydence, 85, died May 7, 2016 in Carrollton, Texas. Mr. Poydence was born September 18, 1930 in the hamlet of Woodlawn, NY (Erie County) to Joseph and Helen Poydence. His parents brought him to Apollo, PA in 1931 and he in lived in Apollo and North Apollo from 1931 – 1952. He graduated from Apollo High School in 1948 and was subsequently employed by the Apollo Steel company from 1948 until 1952.
A career serviceman, he enlisted in the US Air Force in March 1952, and retired from SAC Headquarters, Omaha, Nebraska on August 1, 1978 as a Chief Master Sergeant. During his long service he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Upon retirement from the Air Force he was employed by Inland Manufacturing Company, Omaha, Nebraska, until his final retirement in July, 1996. During his 26 years of residence in Bellevue, Nebraska he was active in youth sports including coaching little league baseball, basketball and football teams for 25 years. Frank married the love of his life, the former Alice May Moore in Apollo, PA on July 14, 1955. Frank and Alice lived various places while Frank served his country including Oahu, HI, Amarillo, TX, Dayton, OH and Bellevue, NE. Frank also served with honor overseas during both the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. They relocated from Bellevue, NE to Carrollton, TX in 1996 to be near their children and grandchildren. Mr. Poydence was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Alice of 60 years, children: son Daniel and wife Kelley of Carrollton; son Vincent and wife Anelych of Carrollton; son Victor of Fairview, TX; son Gerard of Carrollton; daughter Deborah and husband Daniel Conde of Carrollton; and son Paul and wife Melissa of Herndon, VA. Frank was blessed with six grandchildren: Andrew with wife Jenna of Erie, CO; Karen with husband Josh Whalen of Carrollton; Sarah of Carrollton; Taylor of Carrollton; Michelle of Carrollton; and Sylvie of Herndon, VA. Mr. Poydence was a proud Great-Grandpap to Hudson, Ryder and Ruby Kate of Erie, CO.
In addition, Frank leaves behind brothers Joe of Quinton, VA, James of Vandergrift, PA, sister Dorothy of Hesperia, CA and Bob of Clermont, FL. Mr. Poydence was pre-deceased by parents Joseph and Helen Poydence, brothers Charles, Richard and William; sisters Florence and Elizabeth “Betty” Peace. Mr. Poydence was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Carrollton. Following a funeral mass, he will be interred in Furneaux Cemetery in Carrollton, Texas.
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