FRANK EUGENE GRIPPY, of Dallas, TX passed away on December 2, 2013 at the age of 77. Frank was born December 25, 1935 in Emporia, Kansas to Salvatore Samuel & Pearl I. Grippy and was the youngest of 5 children.
He will be greatly missed by his life partner of 30 years, James Overbay and his 2 children and their families: daughter, Diane Connaughton, David Connaughton, Riley (23) and Shane (19) Connaughton of Seabrook, TX. Son, David Grippy, Alex (18), Zachary (9), Cody (6) Grippy & former daughter-in-law, Tina Grippy of Independence, MO. He is also survived by brothers James Grippi of Los Angeles, CA and Robert Grippy of Montrose, CO. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews in Arizona, California, Kansas and Missouri. Frank was preceded in death by his brother William E. Grippy (1928) and sister Louise Irene Grippy Meek Lewis (1978).
He spent his formative years in Manhattan, KS, attending Manhattan High School, class of 1953. He received his BA from Kansas State University in 1959. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He spent 4 years in the Army and Army reserves after graduation, living in Maryland and Washington State.
He spent his early career in the grocery store business, even opening his own store, Mr. G's Minimax, in Nacogdoches, Tx. He then moved on to working for AAFES as a buyer which moved him to many wonderful places throughout his life. He lived in South Carolina, Vietnam, Hawaii, Texas, and Japan and finally retired from AAFES in Dallas, TX. After retirement, he opened an antique business and lived for a short time in Lindsborg, KS. He was a world traveler and developed friendships wherever he went.
He was very proud of all his grandchildren and talked about them frequently. He was able to attend Riley's, Alex's and Shane's high school graduation and that meant a great deal to him.
Frank was a collector of art, oriental art and antiques and filled his house with things that he loved.
Visitation will be Monday evening on December 9, 2013 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. His funeral will be held Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Sparkman Hillcrest in Dallas, TX with a reception held immediately afterwards.
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