Frank Lewis Pettengill

Vietnam Veteran, Air Force (AF) Captain, AF KC-135 Navigator, Teacher

May 23RD 1939 – June 7TH 2025 (86 YRS)

Frank Lewis Pettengill, Age 86, of Tucson, Arizona passed away peacefully on the June 7th, 2025 under the care of his loving family.

Frank was born May 23RD 1939 in Reno, Nevada, the son of Frank Lewis Pettengill and Anna Claire [Hendricks] Pettengill.

Frank’s early childhood was primarily in Reno, Nevada.

Frank’s parents divorced in 1948. His mother remarried in 1950 to Robert M “Mickey” Boal. He lived with his mom and step-father for a period of time in Wyoming, but returned to Reno to live full-time with his father and stepmother, Esther Reva [Kramer] Pettengill.

Frank graduated from Reno High School in 1957. He attended Southern Utah University (Cedar City, Utah) on a baseball scholarship; transferred to the University of Arizona (Tucson), earning a degree in Bachelor of Arts in English in 1962. For the duration of his studies, Frank was a member of the Reserve Officer’s Training Corp (ROTC).

Frank married Constance Elma “Connie” [Boyd] Pettengill on June 29, 1962 in Lordsburg, New Mexico.

Frank joined the U.S. Air Force as a commissioned Air Force Officer in 1962, and served until honorably discharged in 1969. Frank was an U.S. Air Force KC-135 Aircraft Navigator. As a member of the Strategic Arms Command (SAC), Frank flew multiple tours of duty to support operations in southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He was honored by executive order, “The Air Medal” for meritorious achievement while participating in military flights while assigned to duty in Southeast Asia. Awarded on July 16, 1968.

After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, Frank completed his school studies, obtaining his Arizona Teaching Certification, his Masters of Arts in Mathematics and his Masters of Arts in English, both from the University of Arizona, Tucson. Frank held teaching positions at Pistor Junior High School, Tucson High School and Sabino Middle/High School. He retired in 1995.

Frank loved to read. He had an extensive book collection. His favorite place was his study either reading books or watching sports. He was an Elvis Presley fan. He was a handyman; he could fix anything.

In his early years, Frank participated in sports, including handball, baseball, basketball, racquetball and football. In his adult years, Frank also participated in sports, including basketball, softball (Tucson Super Squirrels), racquetball, badminton, and pickleball. His passion was golf. He spent many hours on the links. He also coached baseball and football during his teaching years.

Frank was also an avid sports consumer. He followed college sports. He kept track of the careers of both players and coaches. Frank was a NASCAR enthusiast. He followed all major races; he knew the backgrounds of many of the drivers.

Frank lost his wife, Connie on January 24, 2018 due to health complications. They were blessed with four children, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild

After her passing, Frank continued to attend Christ Community Church. Judith Lynn “Judy” Planting was active in the church. They developed a friendship which eventually led to marriage. They were married on December 12, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. They have been blessed with a loving family, a large circle of friends and great neighbors.

Judy, his wife and Don, his son were with Frank when he passed unresponsive in comfort care at Peppi’s House on the TMC Hospital campus. Over several weeks, after a fall in his townhome community, Frank developed headaches. Emergency neurosurgery was performed, but was not successful. He fell into an unresponsive state from which he never recovered.

Brought up Catholic, Frank asked to be, and was baptized in water at Christ Community Church on December 19, 2021. He was 84 years old at the time. Now to his reward!

Judy extends thanks to Frank’s children, Debbie Lynn, Donald Gene and Luanne Marie for their support; and to her daughters Laurie Allen, Christy Wisinger, Noelle Johnson, who came in sequence to assist their mother prior to the funeral, and sister-in-law, Anna Planting, son Michael Planting, who came to be with his mother for the funeral.

Remaining to cherish Frank’s memory are his wife Judith Lynn “Judy” [Planting] Pettengill: his children, Debbie Lynn Wright (husband Clifford Arthur Wright), Donald Gene Pettengill (wife Diane Marie Pettengill) and Luanne Marie Pettengill; his grandchildren, Jeremiah, Andy, Alexandra and Zeke; his great-grandchild Amelia; his sisters, Susan Kaye Pettengill and Neva Rae [Pettengill] Lee; and his nieces, Hannah Rae [Lee] Doucette and Aubrey Ester [Lee] Johnston.

Preceding Frank in death his wife Constance Elma “Connie” [Boyd] Pettengill; his youngest child Christel Dawn [Pettengill] Grey; his parents Anna Claire [Hendricks] Pettengill and Lewis Thomas Pettengill; and his brother, Steven Pettengill.

Memorial services will be held June 27, 2025 at 9:00am at Christ Community Church, 530 S. Pantano Road, with Pastor Brett Inman officiating. Interment will be at East Lawn Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Road at 10:30am. Military honors will be conducted.