Funeral Services, with Masonic Rites, will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Collier-Butler Chapel for Benjamin Franklin (Frank) Estes, 80, who went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. Rev. Lauil Thompson will officiate. Burial will be at Rainbow Memorial Gardens, with full military honors by the United States Army. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing.
Mr. Estes was in the Naval reserves when he was called to active duty during the Korean War, where he served for 2 years. He went on to serve in the Navy from 1955-1959. He was in the Army National Guard from 1959-1961. In February 1961 he volunteered for extended active duty in the Army. He reenlisted in the regular Army in March 1961. He served in Vietnam from March 1961 to March 1969 and went on to retire on March 1, 1977.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Army Commendation Medal second award, the Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with clasp and five stars, Korean Service Medal, National Defense UN Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Career Counselor Badge.
He was employed at Anniston Army Depot for 15 years. He was a member of the Cedar Bend masonic Lodge 583, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 637, and VFW Post 8600.
Mr. Estes was preceded in death by his precious wife of 53 years, Almeda Estes, who passed away 19 days earlier; son, Benjamin Franklin “Frankie” Estes; parents, Joseph and Della Estes; brothers, John Wesley “J.W.” Estes, and Curtis Estes; and sisters: Myrtle Estes, Louise Jones, Gussie Hightower, and Juanette Gilligan.
He survived by his brother Charlie Estes; daughters: Yvonne (Paul) Thomas, Linda Denise Bailey Davis, and Bella (Jeff) Fix; 5 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be members of the United States Army.
Honorary pallbearers will be: all members of the Cedar Bend Masonic Lodge, all members of VVA Chapter 637, DAV, and special friends: Lloyd Matthews, Wayne Kelley, James Barnett, Ricky Scales, and Rick Vaughan.
Visitation will be Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.
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