Franklin W. DeLeon served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged, he continued to support his family & community all his life. He was responsible and made sure no one was left behind. He has been battling against cancer over the last several years. Frank passed away on the 6th of June 2023, in the middle of the third round of that fight battling Multiple Myeloma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Frank's wife is having difficulty covering the cost of his funeral and burial services and could use our help. She needs roughly $3000 to cover the expenses for the funeral and burial services. Any help we can provide will echo Frank's caring and giving spirit. As it is with most things, there are always those items we don't expect, or account for, as we settle the affairs of a loved one's estate. Not to mention the lingering financial impacts yet to be encountered. With that in mind, we have set a goal of $5000 to help provide any additional assistance Frank's wife may need over the coming months.

Frank’s battle with cancer has been a long roller coaster of a journey. With moments of victory and celebration as his doctors told him that his cancer had gone into full retreat (remission), and he felt his health improve for the better. But also those lows when he would get the word that his cancer had returned and would have to continue his fight against it. For some of us, we can only imagine what those moments must have been like to face and come up against.

Frank was awarded the National Defense Service, the Vietnam Service, and the Vietnam Campaign Medals in recognition of his service to our country. But he was more than just an honored soldier. Frank was a family man through and through, and nothing meant more to him than his love for his entire family. Frank enjoyed the music from the 50s and 60s and especially loved Elvis Presley, which he shared with friends and family when he sang at various events and retirement communities. He was a loving Son, Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, and Grandfather. This world is missing a great man today. Frank was a beloved goofball and character, which made us love him all the more.

Frank made a significant impact on everyone he came in contact with. His goofy demeanor and love for life were palpable in everything he did, with a passion you wouldn't likely find in many others, often with the pure unadulterated stubbornness of a mule but always passionate and firm about where he stood.

Frank enjoyed being outdoors, loved to explore many areas, look for excellent fishing opportunities and other natural wonders. Many of us have spent plenty of time fishing with him at Cave Lake or Illipah Reservoir. He loved teaching those around him how to bait, cast a line, and reel in our first fish.

Everyone has countless stories of Frank, fond memories, and comical moments that we can reflect on now. It was Frank’s wish that we would focus on bright and happy moments. Frank had insurance, but it wasn’t enough to cover his final moments; this also means that there wasn’t much available to assist in covering those expenses. The reimbursement options available from the Veterans Association only go so far.

We secured Frank's headstone marker through the Veterans Association and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. We continue to contact the Veterans Association for resources and services to help us. Still, those costs are not paid upfront and require submitting those expenses to them for reimbursement. Due to those requirements, we ask for your help today and how you can help Frank’s family lay their honored and beloved family member to rest.

Frank’s family will use your contributions to pay the funeral and burial costs. And his wife will use the remaining funds to help settle his affairs and any other outstanding medical bills or unforeseen items that have yet to be known.

Rest In Peace, Frank

We will never forget you.