Obituary: Frank Coleman

Frank Coleman was born in Snake Creek, Utah July 21, 1921 to Henry and Viva Coleman and passed away peacefully in Reno March 25, 2009. Frank was raised in Bristol and Pioche, received his bachelor's degree from Utah State University and his master's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Frank enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp at the beginning of World War II and was assigned to the crew of a B-17. He "flew the ball" as a ball turret gunner. A true American hero, he flew 36 missions over Nazi Germany and Nazi Occupied Europe in a plexiglass ball suspended outside the bomber. His first two missions were over Berlin and he flew two missions on D-Day in support of the Normandy Invasion. Among the many medals won for his service was the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Frank returned from the war to Carson City and married Gladys Gilbert on September 28, 1945. He worked for the Nevada State Employment Security Department beginning his career in Reno, where their daughter Lynda was born, then becoming office manager in Elko, where their son Gilbert was born, and finally returning to Carson City where he spent the rest of his thirty year career with the State. With Gladys, he also became part owner of Gilbert's Drug Store in Carson City.

Frank was faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Carson City serving for many years as a counselor in the church.

As Lynda and Gilbert both attended the University of Southern California, Frank and Gladys became active in the USC Northern Nevada Alumni and Parents Club. Both held offices in the club with Frank serving as president of the club and for many years as scholarship chairman.

In 2000, Frank and Gladys joyfully welcome their daughter-in-law Jami-Sue into their family and three years later, they were richly blessed by the birth of their grandchildren Carson and Sierra.

Frank's life was defined by his devotion to God, his family, his country and his state. He and Gladys loved to travel and no trip was quite a good as one that included a Trojan game. He was a deeply loved friend, uncle, brother, son, husband, father, and, for the joy of last years, grandpa.

Frank is preceded in death by his beloved wife Gladys, his parents Henry and Viva, his brothers Coley and John and his sisters Bea and Gayle.

He is survived by his daughter Lynda, his son Gilbert and daughter-in-law Jami-Sue, grandchildren, Carson and Sierra, his sister and brother-in-law Clo Ann and George Groth and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.

Services will be 1 p.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1331 McKay Drive, Carson City. Burial will be in Lone Mountain Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Walton's Chapel of the Valley, Carson City. Memorial donations may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at that address. The family invites you to share your memories of Frank in the family guestbook at www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.