Francis Theodore Olmstead

His parents, Cleo V. and Isabelle (Castor) Olmstead proudly welcomed their son into the world on November 22, 1935 in Keene, NH.

Frank grew up in Keene and was a graduate of Keene High School. He enlisted in the Army and served for six years during the Korean War. He continued to serve his country as a member of the Army National Guard for eight years.

Following his active duty obligations with the Army, Frank worked for the former Sprague and Carlton Furniture Company in Keene. He later worked for 19 years with Markem Corporation in Keene as a dye maker in their ink lab.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he especially enjoyed working with his hands as a skilled woodworker. He was a longtime member of the Gordon Bissell American Legion Keene Post #4 and participated in many of the local parades as a member of the Keene Post.

Frank will be greatly missed by many, especially his two step-daughters, Karen Barfield and her husband, Brian, of Richmond, with whom he was blessed to be able to live with for the last few months of his life, and Kellie Zysk and her husband, Michael, of Alstead, NH; two step-grandchildren, Kyle and Ryan Barfield; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Bruce L. Olmstead of Keene, NH; and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his wife of 23 ½ years, Betty L. (Beam) Rice Olmstead; a brother, Cleo V. Olmstead, Jr.; and two sisters, Shirley Gourlay and Jennie.

Private graveside services will be held in the Willard Hill Cemetery, Harrisville, NH.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Olmstead’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or to the Gordon Bissell American Legion Keene Post #4, 797 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431.