Frank Small

Francis “Frank” William Small, 97, of Wildomar, California, entered into eternal life on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Manor Care in Hemet, California. He was born Sunday, July 10, 1921, in Ladysmith, Canada, to the late Francis Small and the late Annie Isitt. In 1942 he joined the Army and proudly served our country for four years, earning many awards including the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Word War II Victory Medal, as well as Good Conduct Medal. While he was in basic training in Medford, Oregon, he attended church where he met the love of his life, Margaret Allen. As many did during wartime, they conducted a 3-year courtship by mail, and married a few short months after Frank returned home from active duty. They shared a long and loving life together for 67 years. Frank was an athlete and played college basketball and ran track, and continued to run 5K and 10K runs well into his late 60s. He enjoyed playing games such as dominos and cards, the outdoors, and had a love for music, as he played the piano and was a classically trained singer. Frank was a teacher for many years and retired from the Torrance Unified School District. Being on the tall side at six feet and four inches he had fun telling others that his middle name was “Not So”; with that said, his name would be “Frank Not So Small”. Frank loved life, loved to laugh, and will be dearly missed by all who loved him. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret Small and his son, Richard Brian Small. He leaves behind three children, daughter Deborah Ruth Small, son Randall Alan Small, daughter Robin Alyce Franks, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Interment will be in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.miller-jones.com