The Frank

Definition of THE FRANK

: a warm but nearly suffocating one-armed embrace, similar to a headlock, affectionately administered after several libations.

— Franked verb

— the Frank noun

 

Randy and I attended his dad's funeral services last night. Frank Eccles was an incredibly kind, positive, fun, honorable and vibrant person. Over the few days since Frank passed away last weekend, the main thing on my mind has been how impressed I am with his approach to life. He loved and was always there for his family; he did meaningful work that he was passionate about and did exceptionally well; he had wonderful, lifelong friendships; and he enjoyed himself every day - he worked hard but also truly knew how to relax and have fun. I feel blessed to have been able to know Frank, but I certainly wish we had had many more years together, because Frank wasn't just my father-in-law. From the first time we met he treated me with such warmth, and we really clicked.  Frank and I became instant friends. He immediately welcomed me into his family, even making a point of calling me every year on my birthday.

Frank invited us to Lake Geneva, WI in Aug. 2011. Great trip!

For my own sake, I am so glad I had the chance to partake in some of Frank's fun. We had some great times together, like when he would visit Phoenix for Spring Training, or regularly visit the Far South Side branch of the Eccles family - including his daughter and her husband and their children - after Randy and I moved to Springfield.  We had many nice holiday and vacation times together, some great nights out having dinner and drinks, a particularly fun night in watching movies (he said I picked a really good movie, because he actually stayed awake for once!) and he was an incredibly good sport about the accidentally candle wax covered birthday cake I once made for him. (Long story...) 

I am also so grateful to Frank for raising my husband to be the warm, patient, good-natured and dependable man that he is. After meeting Frank, it was clear that many of these traits that I appreciate so much in Randy originated in him. So not only do I consider myself fortunate to have found Randy, I will always be proud to be in Frank’s family and to raise his grandchild.  As evidenced by the turnout at his funeral, Frank really did touch countless lives. I think his good friend (and fellow waxy cake partaker), Tommy Johnson, said it best at Frank's service with the quote, "The song has ended, but the melody lingers on."  When it comes to Frank, these words couldn't be more true... We have all been Franked.

- Sarah

Frank Eccles' Obituary 

Frank's kids and their cousin Courtney with the Patriarch
at Randy's and my wedding in June 2008