Frank W. Wakefield, 92
Frank W. Wakefield, a resident of Sheridan, Wyo., most of his life, died at the age of 92 on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, after a brief illness.
Frank Wakefield was born Aug. 5, 1913, in Boston, and moved to Sheridan with his father and mother when a young child. Reared and educated in Sheridan, he grew to love the Big Horn Mountains and the outdoor adventures they provided all of his life.
On Sept. 1, 1935, he married Eleanor Odessa Mills. For a brief time after their marriage, the couple resided in Colorado to help Mrs. WakefieIds family on their farm. They returned to Sheridan in 1936, where they made their home until Frank was called into service during World War II. He served with the U.S. Army in the South Pacific Theater, where he was seriously injured and returned via hospital ship to the states.
The couple shared their life with their four children, sons, Frank Gene, Robert Bob, Larry, and a daughter, Mary.
In 1949, Mr. Wakefield became the canteen manager at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Sheridan, a post he would fill until his retirement. Because retirement did not present much of a challenge, he returned to work and managed several theaters for Ross Campbell, including the WYO Theater and Skyline Drive-In in Sheridan and several in Buffalo, Wyo.
Frank Wakefield was an avid volunteer. He was a captain in the Civil Air Patrol; volunteered as a van driver for the VA Hospital, transporting veterans from the communities of Billings and Casper, Wyo., to receive services, and later was an active volunteer at the VA, working directly with patients. He was twice commander of the American Legion Post in Sheridan, commander of the VFW and the Disabled American Veterans.
For many years, he led the Apples for Teachers outreach program to all rural schools in Sheridan County.
His lifetime volunteer work was with the Boy Scouts of America, having joined at the age of 12. He was a Cub Scout Master and the scoutmaster of the American Legion Troop 107 of Sheridan. He was presented the highest honor of the Boy Scouts of America, the Silver Beaver, in December 1971.
Mr. Wakefield was very active in theater and musical activities throughout his life in Sheridan. He participated in numerous variety shows that were staged at the Orpheum Theater. He was a member of the Sheridan Community Concert Choir for many years and a member of the ensemble vocal group directed by Bob Wilson.
Mr. Wakefield was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years; his eldest son, Frank Eugene; and his parents.
He is survived by his sons, Robert Wakefield of Sheridan, and Larry Wakefield of Kalispell; and daughter, Mary Wakefield, of Lander, Wyo. He also is survived by 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Presbyterian Church in Sheridan in which Mr. Wakefield was ordained an Elder in 1991. The Rev. Doug Melius will officiate. After committal services at the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, a reception for friends and family will be held at the Wingate Hotel.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Jack Andreoli Jr. Scholarship Fund, c/o Glacier Bank, 307 East Park St., Anaconda, MT 59711.
Kane Funeral Home in Sheridan is handling arrangements.