Frank E. Green Jr.

Francis Eugene Green, Jr. was born April 17, 1948 in Peoria, Illinois to Francis Eugene Green, Sr. and Ruth Wohlford Green!!! Nicknamed Purr by his Grandfather he was known to family members and to those he grew up with as Gene. It was not until his military time in the United States Navy that he was known as Frank!!!

Frank was a proud 1966 graduate of Peoria Central High School, the oldest high school in the state of Illinois. Frank attended Bradley University in Peoria and was a graduate of a Jesuit University Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri!!!

After proudly serving 6 years in the United States Navy where he served as a rescue person for some of the space shots and as a color guard member for Rose Kennedy. Frank returned to Peoria, Illinois before moving to Kansas City, Missouri in the early 1970’s and began a storied career in the banking business working for Commerce Bank in Kansas City, Missouri, Brotherhood Bank and Trust in Kansas City, Kansas and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Missouri, District 10.

Frank was recognized as a very loyal employee and soon doors were opening for him and eventually landed a CRA Position at the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City. Quickly moving up the ladder Frank was a much sought after trainer who became a mentor to many. His knowledge of banking rules and regulations gave him a reputation as a very tough hard nosed but knowledgeable trainer. Soon his trainees realized he knew what he was doing and those he worked with had the utmost respect and admiration for Frank. Frank was a much sought after trainer not only in Kansas City but throughout the Federal Reserve System and was a guest speaker and instructor in St. Louis, Boston, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Dallas, Omaha, Albuquerque as well as Washington D. C.

In the early 70’s after living in apartments, Frank purchased a bungalow in the West Plaza area of Kansas City, Missouri and by the time he had sold it in 2012 the house had been completely remodeled by Frank included a two tiered deck on the back of the house and the attic completed into a large bedroom with a Jacuzzi tub and a large walk in closet!!! Everything in the attic addition with the exception of plumbing was done by Ken and Frank!!!

In 1997 Frank and Ken Edwards had a chance meeting that turned into at times a volatile acquaintanceship and those of you who know Ken and Frank have heard stories of that time when some heavy arguments and rejections were given and received by both!!! On March 18, 1998, Ken finally agreed to go to dinner with Frank and on that date a relationship began that lasted a little more than 25 ½ years!!!! During those 25 years, Ken and Frank were fortunate to have travelled to many places not only in the United States but around the world!!! The very first trip was to the Ozark Mountain community in Eureka Springs, Arkansas!!! Many spots in the United States were explored but both agreed that their very favorite place they visited was the Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon side and the magic of the coast of Oregon!!! One of Ken and Frank’s regional favorites was a Sunday four hour round trip to Rulo, Nebraska to enjoy some of the best catfish in the country!!!

Before both retiring in 2012, Ken and Frank were on a flight for a week in Fort Lauderdale!!! In mid air Frank tapped Ken on the shoulder and said—Wanna buy a condo while we are in Fort Lauderdale and without hesitation Ken replied—Sure. Palm Aire was where they landed and after moving to an “original” decorated condo Ken and Frank had a complete gut done on the condo to make the place their own!!! Many happy memories of cocktail parties and dinner parties were enjoyed by countless friends which became affectionately known as Café 303!!! Ken was know for his “country cookin’” of his roast beef, turkey breast and everyone’s favorite his homemade Mac and Cheese. Frank was not allowed in the kitchen as high of sautéing in high temp was not something Ken would allow but he became a master of clearing the dining room table and earning a gold star for taking out the trash!!!

The move to South Florida was a wonderful experience for Ken and Frank and in literally no time, a large group of treasured and valued friends soon entered their lives. Both Ken and Frank once moving to South Florida took advantage of the weather that was perfect for exercising and lost a combined total of 120 pounds. Frank was diligent in his exercise habits and was riding a bicycle 25 miles a day and walking 4-8 miles on alternating days!!! After suffering a minor stroke and some limited rehab Frank was back to himself and in September of 2022 was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Radiation and chemo pills soon followed and life as he knew it began to change. Through it all Frank never lost his sense of humor and his will to do the best he would do with his physical therapist!!!

Recently while discussing the approaching inevitable and that soon Frank would be nearing his completion of his journey in heaven Ken said to him that he would someday see him in heaven. In a typical Frank Green response he said where well the hell else would I be going!!!

During the last few months Frank’s physcial abilities and verbal abilities began a gradual decline. After being admitted to St. John’s nursing center Frank’s voice soon became more difficult to understand and eventually evolved into an inaudible whisper!!! During one of the last days when he could almost complete a sentence he beckoned Ken to come close to his face. Frank shared with Ken that he had cussed today. Not known for cussing Ken said well you don’t normally cuss and he responded that he had. Ken confided to Frank that Ken was known to have a sailor’s mouth and Frank said oh yes you do. Ken told him that he heard him cuss once when he hit his thumb with a hammer and Frank very calmly replied--You weren’t supposed to have heard that!!!

Frank is survived by his 25 ½ year spouse Ken Edwards in addition to a daughter Erin and husband Khanh Nguyen, Golden, Colorado, his brother Russell Green and wife Linda of Jacksonville, Florida and a special friend Kathryn Edwards of Kansas City, Missouri!!! Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his first partner Robert Davis and his two prized Westland Highland Terriers Maggie and Missie!!!!

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Campbell Foundation or a charity of choice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:00 at the KRAEER-FAIRCHILD FUNERAL HOME, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Frank's funeral service will commence immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. Burial will take place in South Florida National Cemetery with military honors conferred by the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Francis' memory may be made to The Campbell Foundation, campbellfoundation.net.

It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Frank, be sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of his obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com