Franklin Lankford

March 3, 1924 - July 26, 2016

Commander U.S. Navy Reserve - Retired

Born in Butler, Missouri, he was the second youngest of six siblings. After graduating from Butler High School, he enlisted in the Navy Flight Training Program and earned his commission and Navy Wings. During WWII, he served in the Pacific Theater, flying multi-engine aircraft, on anti-submarine patrols, out of Iwo Jima, up the coast of Japan. After the war, he remained in the Naval Air Reserve and was recalled for the Korean conflict.

Along with his Reserve duties, he spent 34 years as an Air Traffic Controller at Stapleton Airport. He was passionate about aviation and had a great love of the outdoors and went on many mountain excursions.

Frank married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy in 1943 and they celebrated 73 years together. They have a son, Franklin (dec.) and a daughter, Julie (Craig) Taylor.

During his retirement, he continued his devotion to his family, church and also pursued his interest in reading.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, daughter, Julie and her husband Craig Taylor, four grandchildren, John, Anne, Eric and Rose, his brother, Harold (Pauline) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Frank was most loving, kind and generous to all! He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Service, Monday, August 1, 2016, 12PM, Crown Hill Chapel, 7777 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033. Burial follows with Navy Funeral Honors. Viewing will be one hour before the service. A memorial reception will follow the burial.

Memorial donations may be made to The American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 or University of Colorado Cancer Center Fund, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045