Frank Vernon

Vernon E. Frank, age 70, of Versailles, passed away Monday morning, February 9, 2004 at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. He was born August 30, 1933 at Clayton, Kansas, the son of Clarence Edward and Mary Violet Thiesen Frank. He was united in marriage on April 12, 1957 in Pensacola, Florida, with Mary Soday. Mr. Frank was a retired U.S. Naval Officer and Silver Star Recipient. He was a Naval Aviator for 20 years, served three tours in Vietnam and earned three military firsts while serving in Vietnam - the successful night in-flight refueling from a destroyer, successful night rescue in a combat area, and the first air squadron to operate from a carrier. He played basketball and golf at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. Mr. Frank was a basketball coach for 40 years, having coached boy’s basketball at St. Mary’s College in Maryland, girl’s basketball at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, was a player/coach in the U.S. Navy, and girl’s high school basketball and Optimist Basketball coach. He was a member, deacon and Sunday school teacher at the First Baptist Church in Versailles, member of the Missouri Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was Huddle Leader for the Local Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Women’s Basketball Association, Missouri Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (ranked #12 with 328 wins), United States Golf Association, the Retired Officers and the Versailles Optimist Club. He was an avid golfer and 5 time marathon competitor. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Frank of the home; one son, Vernon William (Peanut) Frank of Columbia, MO; four daughters, Patricia Ann Swisher of Mexico, MO, Cindy Lee Campbell of Versailles, MO, Melodi Lynn Hendrickson of Springfield, MO, and Mary Kim (Tuffy) Wisdom of Eureka, MO; one brother, Neil LaVern Frank of Houston, TX; twelve grandchildren, many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 12, at the First Baptist Church in Versailles, with Rev. Todd Forman officiating. Military honors and interment will be in the Versailles Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, at the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorial contributions are suggested to the local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Frank Vernon

February 9, 2004

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Frank Vernon

February 9, 2004

About Us

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