DavidThomas“Tom”Frank,92,passedawaypeacefullyon December 2, 2024, at his home in Madill, Okla., surrounded by his beloved family. Born on December 18, 1931, to Myrvin Davis and Beatrice FrancisFrank,Tomwastheoldestofseven children and grew up in Pecan Gap, Texas and Dallas, Texas where he graduated fromWoodrowWilsonHighSchoolin1948.
In 1950, Tom proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War, stationed in Sasebo, Japan, aboard the USS Union as an engineman. He was awardedseveralmedals,includingtheNational Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Tom cherished sharing stories of his time in Japan with family, friends, and fellow veterans.
Tom’s life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Carrie Isabell Self, at an ice-skating rink in Dallas. Captivated by her “classic beauty,” as he often called her, Tom knew from the moment he saw her that it was love at first sight. After just five months of dating, they were married on January 11, 1958, and spent the next 66 years building a life full of love and joy together.
Tom and Carrie lived in Dallas, Texas, Artesia, NM, and Sherman, Texas, before settling in Madill, Okla. in 1974, where they made their home and continued to pour into their community.
In 1970, Tom felt a calling into ministry and was ordained at Abo Baptist Church in Artesia, NM. He devoted his life to serving in the ministry, holding various roles in churches throughout the years. Notably, he served as interim pastor at Little City Baptist Church and founded Trinity Southern Baptist Church. For more than 40 years, he pastored at Russett Baptist Church, where his faith and love for his church family left a lasting impact.
Tom’s love of serving extended far beyond the church. He was an active member of the Madill American Legion, where he proudly raised the American flag at every home football game for many years. He was a beloved member of theJohnstonMarshallBaptistAssociationandmadealasting impact in many areas, including his work with the Murray State College Baptist Student Union. Tom and Carrie also dedicated their time to serving at Falls Creek, where they lovingly prepared meals for the youth, and served on mission trips. While Tom poured his life and heart into the ministry, his family was always part of his testimony.
Although Tom’s heart and soul were devoted to ministry, his greatest pride and joy were his family. He was a pillar of strength and unwavering love for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Known for his outgoing personality, love of storytelling, and deep pride in his country, Tom left a lasting impact on the lives of all who knew him.
He is proceeded in death by loving wife, Carrie Frank; parents, Myrvin Davis and Beatrice Francis Frank; brothers, Robert Frank, Johnathan Frank; sisters, Barbra Frank, Carol Lee Frank and Hazel Frank-Lastor.
Tom is survived by his children, Valerie and husband Terry Bartee, Dave and wife Jana Frank and Rachel and husband Gary Moore; grandchildren, Renee and husband Lynn Richards, Andrew and wife Rachell Bartee, Melissa and husband Chaz Cargal, Christopher and wife Cheyenne Bartee, Sonya and husband Brian Campbell, Jordan and wife Nikki Pryor, Megan and husband Michael McCarthy, Jennifer and husband Casey Cook, and Kelsey and husband Eddie Brown; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Emilie, Jacob, Colton, Hailey, Kaid, Karringtyn, Jax, Serina, Chloe, Cassidy, Lexi, Brison and wife Samantha, Stephen and wife Darla, Hunter and wife Taya, Hannah, Madelenn, John, Emery, Isabelle, Grady, Jameson, Kove, Daeton, Bowen; great-great-grandchildren, Breyer, Shaylei, Jessaleigh, Carsyn, and Lindsey with two more blessings on the way; sister, Jane McDonald; sisters-in-law, Jan Frank and Margie Frank; nieces; nephews and host of friends.
The family would like to thank Toni Pickering and Sabrina Blake for the care, love, compassion, and grace they continually showed Tom.
Visitation will be Friday, December 6, 2024, at Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a family hour from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral service will be Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Watts Memorial Chapel in Madill, Okla. Gary Dempsey and Cecil Mackey will officiate the service. Interment will be at Woodberry-Forest Cemetery in Oakland, Okla. Services will be under the direction of Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome. com.