Frank Samuel Eakle

Frank Samuel Eakle 

Frank Samuel Eakle was born in Woodland, California on October 12, 1934. He passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024, at his home in Woodland, California. He is preceded in death by his wife Geraldine and his son Mark. He is survived by his children Eric, Karen Enos, Jon, Dana and Benjamin, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

When Frank was young he lived on Kentucky Avenue in Woodland with his Father Harold, Mother Helene, Sister Mildred, Aunt Bernice and Cousin Ivan. He frequently visited his Grandpa Jones’s Ranch in Upper Lake where learned to drive at the age of 14. Frank attended Woodland High School where he was active in student government and on the basketball and track teams. 

Frank said his parents taught him that no matter what you have, you can always improve your life. You don’t need to be rich to be a success and happy in life; a good work ethic is more important than money. He truly worked hard to the end of his life at whatever he did.

Frank had an interest in building things from a young age and wanted to be a mechanical engineer. When he was introduced to electronics in the Air Force he found his true passion. He became certified in Auto Pilot & Compass Systems. He served as a Missile Launch Officer and Test Engineer. He completed Officer Candidate School and Communications- Electronics School. He was selected for the Minuteman Education Program where he earned his Bachelors’ Degree with Phi Kappa Phi honors from the University of Wyoming in Electronics Engineering,  while raising six children at home. He served in the Air Force from 1953 to 1975 during which time he went from enlisted to a Major. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service as Communications Electronic Meteorological Maintenance Officer while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force in Vietnam in 1971.

Frank met Geraldine Moore in Albuquerque, New Mexico while they were both in the Air in 1958. They were married in 1959. They moved often while Frank served in the Air Force, living in: New Mexico; Arizona; Texas; California; Mississippi; Kentucky; Illinois;  Wyoming; Ban Me Thout, Vietnam (family was in California); Utah and finally moving to Woodland after retiring from the Air Force. 

Frank’s second career was working as a civilian at McClellan AFB in Sacramento for 20 years, doing much of the same thing that he did while he was in the Air Force. After retiring from McClellan he began his third career working for Interstate Oil in Woodland for 21 years.

Frank was very active in the American Legion Yolo Post 77. During his 42 year membership he served in many capacities, including Commander, Captain of the Pedro Team, and Manager of the Youth Baseball team for 35 years. He had a passion for youth baseball and he worked hard for many years to make sure the program was successful, including organizing the annual Crab Feed fundraiser. He helped put flags in the cemetery and on Main Street for Memorial Day, Veterans Day and 9/11. He helped with parking at the Fairgrounds and taught volunteers to say “$5, Have a nice day” and no more. The Legion was like Frank's second home for many years.

Frank was well known around town everywhere he went. He went out to dinner every night to different restaurants where they were serving his favorite meals. The servers all knew him well. He was a member of the AA for 35 years and had many friends there as well. He loved to play cards at the Senior Center with yet another group of friends.

His advice on how to age gracefully was “Don’t worry and don’t die.”

In lieu of flowers the family would like you to donate to the American Legion Yolo Post 77 Baseball, 523 Bush St, Woodland, CA 95695.

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