Donald Elwood Frank

His family knew him as a loyal husband and devoted father. He was involved in Cub Scout and Boy Scout leadership, having been a boy scout himself. He taught his children respect for country and God, to always do their best, to take pride in all they did, and believe in themselves. He was protective, always keeping his family safe. His children learned everything from gun safety to boat safety because of his teaching. An avid boater, he spent many days on the Ohio River with his family. He was a dog lover, and loved his dog as one of the family.

As a father, he was a great advocate for his children, ready to come to their defense if needed, making it clear he would protect them from any threat of danger. On several occasions he saved his family from certain peril. He was a master at telling jokes, and sometimes pulled pranks on the unaware with a mischievous grin and delight. He loved to talk and never met a stranger. In his later years he lost most of his hearing, but could carry a one way conversation quite perfectly! A wonderful storyteller, he easily captivated both family and friends with his many interesting tales and adventures, leaving behind a rich oral history not easily forgotten.

When he was 16 years old he joined the NRA Junior Division and became a top target shooter. Later, he joined the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War as a chief courier for Commanding General Far East Air Forces, Tokyo Japan. After a 40-day whirlwind courtship, he married Hannah Day and later, they were blessed with 4 children. He did architectural drawings, sold real estate, flew his own plane and boated on the Ohio River. In 1972 he and his family moved to Florida and became a Realtor owning Waterfront Exclusively Realty in Treasure Island. He later was an executive salesman for Swanson Chrysler Plymouth in St. Petersburg.

He was passionate about helping others, and even instrumental in saving several lives with his quick thinking and fast reactions. Don was a lifetime financial supporter of the Sheriffs Boys Ranch. He served for 17 years as a Special Deputy of Pinellas County, and was on the Sheriffs Advisory Board. He was a lifetime active member of the Florida Sheriffs Association and NRA. He was a Mason, a Shriner and VFW lifetime member. A devoted church member, he supported Christian ministries and other charities, and was quick to lend a helping hand, whether it be helping a neighbor put up a fence, or doing a church woodworking project.

His hobbies included: Boating, fishing, inventing (owning 2 patents), target shooting, photography, woodworking, cars, model trains, reading, and training his dog. And above all, loving his family.

He is survived by:

Hannah Frank, his beloved wife of 63 years.

4 Children: Marilee Frank Toso, David William Frank, Donna Frank Nichols, and Marla Frank Pifer.

11 Grandchildren: Christopher, Alissa, Joshua, Kyle, Hannah, Jessica, Bobby, Bibi, Shu Ping, Wang Jian, and Danny, and 6 Great-Grandchildren: Jaycob, Luke, Wyatt, Elaina, Alexander, and Benjamin.

Services will be held April 2, 2019 at 11:00 at Maximo Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Memorial gifts may be made to:

Maximo Presbyterian Church

In Memory of Donald Frank

3200 58th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33712

(727) 867-2311