Frank Carl Atwood passed from this world to join his Lord on July 17, 2014 at 6:20am. He was cared for in Palliative care unit at VA Illiana HCS. Frank was born May 16, 1950. He was preceded in death by his mother: Nancy N. Sumpter Atwood, his father: Earl V. Atwood and his sister: Nancy E. Atwood.
He is survived by his wife: Kathy L. Albert Atwood and their three sons: Scott K. Atwood (Mandy), Broc C. Atwood (Julee) and Lucas A. Atwood (Dree). He is eternally delighted by his five granddaughters: Emily and Kinsey daughters of Scott and Mandy, Britynn daughter of Broc and Julee and Isabella “Ella” and Kennedy daughters of Luc and Dree. He is survived by his brother Richard Atwood.
Frank was a horseman, hunter and fisherman. His passion was organized youth baseball where he held the office of Youth Baseball State Commissioner for American Legion and Babe Ruth. When his granddaughter Britynn entered T-ball, he stepped in once or twice to assist with coaching. Frank was a member of the Olive Branch Masonic Lodge, Gao Grotto and Valley of Danville 32nd degree Mason.
Frank served in the US Army 2nd Field Force in Viet Nam where he attained the rank of E-5. He earned the Viet Nam, Cambodian and Army Accommodation medals. It was at this time that he was exposed to Agent Orange. He joined the Agent Orange registry to identify Agent Orange related diseases through research. He served 18months in Viet Nam then transferred to an Army reserve unit for the remainder of his 4 year commitment.
Frank worked and retired from the CSXT Railroad. He was a member of the United Transportation Union and served as local president before retiring.
Frank was devoted to the American Legion Post 210 and served as Commander three times. He spent countless hours doing whatever needed to be done until he no longer had the strength to do so. Frank was a life time member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was known as a Veterans advocate and resource for Veterans seeking information regarding their service entitlements. Frank initiated the American Flag retirement ceremony at the American Legion Post 210 preformed yearly on June 14 as Flag Day.
Frank served as both Cub and Boy Scouts Master. He assisted with 4-H programs. He felt these organizations to be instrumental in providing tools to the youth of today to effectively manage the challenges of tomorrow. He often said "kids just need a little guidance".
A celebration of Franks life will be held at the American Legion Post 210 on Sunday, July 27, 2014 from 2:00pm to 7:00pm. His Military service will be at VA Illiana HCS National cemetery on July 28, 2014 at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, Frank requested donations be made to the Post 210 Speakers Baseball program or to the Veterans House in Indianapolis. During his treatment in Indianapolis for the majority of 2013, Frank stayed at the Veterans House. He expressed how nice it was for Veterans and their families to stay there prior to their appointments, chemotherapy or surgery. It was a home away from home for those who lived far away from their treatment.
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