Richard Frank

Richard W. Frank, 89, of Great Falls, passed away Monday, October 14, 2013 at a local nursing home. Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 21, 2013 at 11 am at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Cremation has taken place under the direction of O’Connor Funeral Home. Rich was born March 11, 1924 in Great Falls to William and Rosie (Gallagher) Frank. He attended school here and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1942. On March 5, 1943 he entered into the United States Army and shortly joined the aviation cadet program. He received his pilot wings and began flying several types of aircrafts including B-17’s and B-29’s. After his discharge on December 24, 1945 he moved on to serve in the United States Air Force Reserves for several years. In 1949 he received his B.A. with honors in business and accounting from the College of Education now known as the University of Great Falls. He married Doris Rae Duncan in 1948 and they divorced in 1959. Rick worked as an accountant for the United States Defense and Treasury Departments as well as for private businesses. In later years, he developed rural real estate and worked part time for the State of Montana while living in Craig. On November 21, 1991 he was united in marriage to Dorothy R. Nelson in Great Falls. The two remained inseparable until Dorothy’s passing on May 7, 1999. Rich was a member of the Eagles, lifetime member of Elks Lodge #214, and a life member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States. He enjoyed the place on the river in Craig that was used as a gathering place for relatives, friends, and sportsmen for over 40 years. He is survived by his loving companion, Lynn Bucholz, numerous cousins, friends, and special knights in training, Billy, Jimmy, and Rudy. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Russel R. “Tiny” Frank; and sister-in-law Dorothy Frank. In Rich’s memory, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Rockies in Butte, or to your local Humane Society.