Franklin D. Starkweather, Sr.

86, of Indianapolis departed this life Thursday, September 30, 2021. Frank was born on August 26, 1935 in Warsaw, Indiana to the late Kenneth Starkweather & Mary Jane Jefferis (Starkweather). Frank was raised by his devoted mother and Charles (Peck) Jefferis. He joined the Indiana National Guard prior to graduating from high school. He served two years as a traditional Guardsman before going fulltime. After becoming a full-timer, he served in several different positions and locations, retiring after 42 years in uniform as a Chief Warrant Officer 4.

Frank was appointed a “Sagamore of the Wabash” by former Indiana Governor Evan Bayh, at the same time he was appointed by the Assistant Secretary of Defense to serve as a member of the Indiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for an additional six years.

He was an Advisor and Board Member for the Sagamore Federal Credit Union, a longtime member of Lion’s International, the American Legion and Elks Lodge. He was also a longtime and dedicated member of Abundant Harvest United Methodist Church. Frank was always first and foremost a family man, he never passed on an opportunity to be with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to make some memories. He and Carolyn often enjoyed playing golf in their retirement and helping at their church.

Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Carolyn J. (Miller) Starkweather; sisters, Doris Mosher and Marilyn Blauser and brother, David Starkweather.

He is survived by his devoted children, Cindy (Greg) McLochlin of Carmel, IN and Frank (Pamela) Starkweather, Jr. of Winona Lake, IN; dear grandchildren, Kristy (Stephen) Simpson of Indianapolis, Kyle (Natasha) Starkweather of Leesburg, IN, Matt (Abby Rondot) McLochlin of Denver, CO and Cory (Ashley) Starkweather of Warsaw, IN; beloved great-grandchildren, Breckin, Olivia, Rylan, Aleena and Zoey and sister, Dixie Starkweather.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 pm on Thursday, October 7th at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel at 740 E. 86th Street in Indianapolis and conclude when services begin at 2:30 pm. Graveside services will begin at 12:00 noon on Friday, October 8th at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw, IN. The family has requested that masks to be worn at the Leppert Nora Chapel. Masks will be available at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions are suggested in Frank’s name to Abundant Harvest United Methodist Church in Indianapolis or to Indianapolis Pike Township Lions Club.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuarynora.com for the Starkweather family.