Frank Heard Jr.'s Obituary
Frank Heard Jr. was born on January 3, 1931, on a small farm in Magnolia, Arkansas. It was on this farm that he learned the meaning, and the value, of hard work. He attended Stephens High School in Ouachita County, Arkansas. After high school, Frank wasted no time in starting the 2nd chapter of his life by enlisting in the United States Army at the age of 17. After basic training, Frank was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. That is where he met and fell in love with a fellow soldier, Claudie Mae Webb. Frank and Claudie married weeks later and began a beautiful life together that lasted over 62 years.
Frank retired from the army as a CW3 after 23 years of service. His 2nd career was in banking, during which earned an MBA degree from City College. He retired from USBank (People’s Bank) as Vice President of the Pacific Avenue branch after more than 20 years with them.
In his 50’s, Frank converted from Methodist to the Catholic faith. He and his wife Claudie were faithful members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tacoma, WA, for many years. In his spare time, Frank enjoyed fishing, bowling, watching or attending sporting events, and spending time with family and friends. He spent numerous summers fishing in Alaska and bringing back loads of salmon, rock cod, and halibut for his family to enjoy. Frank was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma for decades.
On Friday, May 11, 2018, at the age of 87, Frank died peacefully at his home in Tacoma where he had lived for 48 years. He leaves behind his son, Frank A. Heard (Tracie), daughters Sonya Jones (Toby) of Manassas Park, VA, Ella Johnson of Los Angeles, CA, and Francesca Heard of Tacoma, and son-in-law Tony Smith. He also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and dozens of dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mentha Belle (Curry) and Frank Heard Sr., his wife Claudie Mae Heard, and his daughter Katrina Ann Smith (Heard).
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1 pm (viewing begins at 11) in the Mountain View Aspen chapel.
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