USMC, VIETNAM

Paul "Frank" Biddle, 66, Marion, IN, died at 7:00 pm, Saturday, February 1, 2014 in his residence. He was born in Elwood, Indiana to the late Thomas and Mary (Shaw) Biddle. He married Katherine J. Pherson on April 2, 1971. She preceded him in death on September 23, 2009.

Frank was a Marine Corp. Vietnam veteran serving from 1966 - 1969. He retired in 1990 as a detective from the Marion Police Department and was director of the Grant County EMA from 1991 -2004. He was a former member of the Goldwing Association and the Grant County Snowmobile Association. Frank enjoyed camping and going to casinos to play Keno. He loved his grandchildren—attending as many of their functions as possible.

Funeral Service: at 11:30 am, Friday, February 7, 2014 at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City. Burial will be in Marion National Cemetery.

Visitation: will be Thursday, February 6, 2014 from 4-8 PM at the funeral home.

Survivors:
Daughters: Dawn Keller Upland, IN
Michelle (Michael) Baxter Marion, IN
Sons: Doug Masters Atlanta, GA
Frankie (Danielle) Biddle Swayzee, IN
Grandchildren: Dustin (Amanda), Austin, Matthew, ShyeLynn, Mikey, Megan, Brock, Maxwell, Coby, Carlee
Great-grandchild: Arlen

Preceded in death by: Wife, Katherine; Sister, Margaret Biddle, Brother, Bob Biddle
- See more at: http://www.nswcares.com/obituary/Paul-Frank-Biddle/Marion-IN/1340797

Chronicle - Tribune
Feb. 6, 2014
Former Police Officer, EMA Director Dies

A former Marion police detective and director of the Grant County Emergency Management Agency was remembered for his guidance and motivation to fellow officers.
Paul "Frank: Biddle, 66 died Saturday in his residence after battling medical issues, according to Marion Police Capt. Jay Kay said.
"I was shocked when I heard about it," Jay Kay said. "I knew that he had been in and out of the hospital, but I never realized what he was dealing with."
Kay worked with Biddle for about 12 years at the Marion Police Department.
"Frank was a great guy to work with." Kay said. "He was a sergeant on second shift. He was a motivator. Frank always had such a laugh. He made it a joy at work and times weren't always joyful."
Deputy Chief Cliff Sessoms said he remembered how Biddle helped him when he first started.
"I started in 1986 and Frank already had some years in," Sessoms said. "He was somebody you could ask Questions to and he would help you out. He was easy to get along with and well respected in the department. When I got the word, I was Shocked."
Marion Police Chief David Gilbert said Biddle was a role model.
" He was a dignified officer," Gilbert said. "I was always grateful for his guidance."
Not only did Biddle work for the Marion Police Department for two Decades, but he was with the Grant County EMA Director Bruce Bender said Biddle was his first training officer at the department. The two met in 1983.
"I've been kind of following Frank my whole career," Bender said.
Biddle was the first person to have the title of EMA director. Before his hiring, the position was in civil defense, Bender said.
He said Biddle was a good cop and described him as level-headed.
The two men have kept in touch in recent years, meeting once per mouth for breakfast with other retired Marion officer.
Biddle not only served Grant County, he also was a Marine Corp. Vietnam Veteran serving from 1966 - 1969, according to his obituary.
"He was a man of service for his community and country, Kay said.
Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Friday at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chaple, 400 E. Main St. Gas City. Burial will be in Marion National Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
The Marion Police Department honor guard will attend the funeral and provide services to pay respect, Gilbert said.
"The honor guard is for officers that passed on," he said. "We are proud to do it. He was a good man and policeman. We want to make sure we honor him appropriately."

By Crystal Franks