WWII Veteran
January 29, 1922 – December 13, 2018
Our beloved father, grandfather, great times 3 and uncle, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his cherished family. For a man who never had children of his own, he hit the jackpot.
Frank was only 17 when he enlisted in the Marines in 1939 and served his country during World War II. He participated in the battle of Tarawa as well as the battle of Okinawa. He returned home and was Honorably discharged in October of 1945. Upon his return he entered St Mary’s College where he would earn a bachelor’s degree in business.
Frank’s first love was Ione Searcy. They were married in 1949. Ione had one son who brought a wife and three grandchildren into their lives. Her sisters and brothers made him an instant Uncle. Ione & Frank loved to travel to Sunrise Beach where they built three beautiful lake houses. They were active in the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church where he often sang in the choir. He spent his career working as a Civil Servant at Kelly AFB. He was also a member of the Optimist Club and served a term as President and was a member of the San Antonio Little Theatre. He had the most beautiful basso voice, which was perfect for his favorite role, Fiddler on the Roof. After retirement, he owned and operated an CB/Ham radio store.
After 44 years of marriage, Ione passed in 1993 and shortly thereafter, he met the second love of his life, Cleta Pearl. It was love at first site, and they wasted no time getting married. She brought four more children (as well as grands & great grands) into his life. Their favorite pastime was dancing, singing and traveling so they could spend time with family members. They spent 23 years together before her passing.
By now you understand that Frank did not like idle time, he spent many years as a Ham radio operator, talking to people all around the world. Always an early adopter, he even introduced his grandchildren to Facebook. Soon after, he became a man of YouTube and he would get lost in that black hole for hours at a time!
Frank loved unconditionally and had a fiery spirit. Despite one member of his second family trying to create dysfunction, the family prevailed and he spent his final years at home surround by his children, grandchildren, the greats, and many family friends. He was known for giving great practical advice and always listening without reserve. He had a pretty wicked sense of humor too. If you knew him well, you know he loved to give great hugs along with his “bear” growl. His bear hugs were something we all looked forward to.
Most importantly Frank lived a full and wonderful life because of the family and friends that cared so deeply for him. Special thanks to the McEntire grands and great grands who spent countless hours cooking, caring for, laughing, performing skits and trying their best to beat him at dominos. Those were the golden years of his life.
Frank leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and his secret recipe for the best carrot cake on earth!
Semper Fidelis – until we meet again, Sport!
The Visitation will be 5-8 pm, Monday, December 17, 2018 at Sunset Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 10 am, Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
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