Ronald L. Frakes, Sr., 88, of Galesburg, died peacefully, Friday, November 19, 2021 at 9:05 a.m.
Ron was born April 12, 1933 at the family home at Lake Bracken, Galesburg, IL the son of Mart and Elsie Faye (McDaniel) Frakes. He married the love of his life, Stella Frances Zefo at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg on June 18, 1955. Stella preceded him in death on October 4, 2014. Ron is survived by three sons, Todd (Cara) Frakes, Ron Frakes, Jr., and Mart Frakes all of Galesburg; his beloved grandchildren, Michael (Alexis) Frakes of Galesburg, Nikki (Josh) Chase of Peru, IL, Victoria (Corbin) Meador of Oneida, IL, Justin (Sarah) Frakes of Woodhull, IL, Aaron (Ashley) Frakes of Fredricksburg, IN, Samantha Frakes of Des Moines, IA, Lindsay Frakes of Galesburg, and Joey (Amber) Hathaway of Monmouth; and great grandchildren, Mia and Harrison Chase, Tristin, Gavin, Sophia, and Ava Frakes, Chloe and Hudson Meador, Emma Hathaway, Wayne and Ronne Frakes, and Wyatt, Ryder, and Silas Frakes. Along with his wife and parents, Ron was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, Lori Frakes; two brothers, Donald and Glen; and four sisters, Wilma Courson, Norma Ritter, Dorothy White, and Georgia Leona Swanson.
Ron joined the Army in 1951 serving in Korea as a member of the Sky Wolves. He was honorably discharged in 1953. He went on to a long career at Butler Mfg. in Galesburg, retiring in 1992.
Ron was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church; enjoyed collecting bird houses and was an avid collector of antiques. Ron also loved to go to the scenic drive and shopping for good deals at area thrift stores. He was also an avid photographer. Most of all, Ron enjoyed spending time with his family and loved to attend his grandchildren’s events.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, with funeral services following at 11:30 a.m. Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Guardian Angels Humane Society or to the Knox-Warren Alzheimer’s Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
