LTCOL, US AIR FORCE
KOREA, VIETNAM
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…"
Franklin Henry Valade, Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force retired, a resident of Fort Walton Beach for 48 years, passed away January 20, 2012.
Frank was born to Arthur Louis and Florence Cahours Valade, July 4, 1931 in River Rouge, Michigan, the 5th of seven children. Eager to serve his country at the end of the Korean war, he enlisted as a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. As a navigator, he earned his wings and realized his dream of becoming a pilot. Performing his duties and supporting his growing family, he earned his BS and ME degrees from Texas A&M University. He retired from Eglin AFB Test and Armament Division in 1972 after 21 years' service, returning as a civil servant for another 20 years until his final retirement in 1994. Frank was proud that he was able to serve his country for 41 years.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arthur Lee Valade and Richard A Valade. He leaves behind his wonderful wife of 33 years, Valerie Evans Valade; his children, Michelle J Woodham and husband Brian of Mobile, Ala., Franklin H "Bud" Valade, Jr. and fiancé Chin Vaughan of Shanghai, China, Kathryn M. Valade of Fort Collins, Colorado, Timothy A Valade of Fort Collins, Colorado, Nicholas Laird and wife Claudia of Orlando and Rori Laird of Fort Walton Beach; grandchildren, Brian Woodham, Jr, Jeremy Woodham, Kevin Valade, Brannon Valade, Shylah Kirch, John Kirch, Jr, Ashley Kirch, Trace Valade, Tristan Valade, Taylor Valade and Nicole Laird. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Sonderman of Littleton, Colorado, Shirley Rugg of Allen Park, Mich, Joan Aben and husband Jerry of Wyandotte, Mich, Mary Parks and husband Darrell of Owasso, Mich, and sister in law Marian Valade of Northville, Michigan.
Frank was a member of the Eglin Yacht Club and Order of Daedalians 61st Seagull Flight. He enjoyed playing Bridge and had fun playing Stook with his buddies – especially when he won!
During his final years, Frank was afflicted with acute back pain which left him progressively debilitated. Despite his affliction, Frank was an inspiration to those around him as his warm, positive spirit prevailed with unending courage to face life's difficulties with a cheerful smile. Frank was deeply loved by many family and friends, who will celebrate his life with cherished memories.
"And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Thursday, February 23 at 614 Country Club Ave. between 5 and 8 pm. Please stop by for a drink in Frank's honor.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 24 at 10 am at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E. Fort Walton Beach. He will be interred at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Schroeder for his many years of care, and the nurses at Twin Cities Hospital who were so attentive to Frank and his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association |alz.org; or your favorite charity.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com
Published in Northwest Florida Daily News on February 22, 2012
KOREA, VIETNAM
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…"
Franklin Henry Valade, Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force retired, a resident of Fort Walton Beach for 48 years, passed away January 20, 2012.
Frank was born to Arthur Louis and Florence Cahours Valade, July 4, 1931 in River Rouge, Michigan, the 5th of seven children. Eager to serve his country at the end of the Korean war, he enlisted as a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. As a navigator, he earned his wings and realized his dream of becoming a pilot. Performing his duties and supporting his growing family, he earned his BS and ME degrees from Texas A&M University. He retired from Eglin AFB Test and Armament Division in 1972 after 21 years' service, returning as a civil servant for another 20 years until his final retirement in 1994. Frank was proud that he was able to serve his country for 41 years.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arthur Lee Valade and Richard A Valade. He leaves behind his wonderful wife of 33 years, Valerie Evans Valade; his children, Michelle J Woodham and husband Brian of Mobile, Ala., Franklin H "Bud" Valade, Jr. and fiancé Chin Vaughan of Shanghai, China, Kathryn M. Valade of Fort Collins, Colorado, Timothy A Valade of Fort Collins, Colorado, Nicholas Laird and wife Claudia of Orlando and Rori Laird of Fort Walton Beach; grandchildren, Brian Woodham, Jr, Jeremy Woodham, Kevin Valade, Brannon Valade, Shylah Kirch, John Kirch, Jr, Ashley Kirch, Trace Valade, Tristan Valade, Taylor Valade and Nicole Laird. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Sonderman of Littleton, Colorado, Shirley Rugg of Allen Park, Mich, Joan Aben and husband Jerry of Wyandotte, Mich, Mary Parks and husband Darrell of Owasso, Mich, and sister in law Marian Valade of Northville, Michigan.
Frank was a member of the Eglin Yacht Club and Order of Daedalians 61st Seagull Flight. He enjoyed playing Bridge and had fun playing Stook with his buddies – especially when he won!
During his final years, Frank was afflicted with acute back pain which left him progressively debilitated. Despite his affliction, Frank was an inspiration to those around him as his warm, positive spirit prevailed with unending courage to face life's difficulties with a cheerful smile. Frank was deeply loved by many family and friends, who will celebrate his life with cherished memories.
"And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Thursday, February 23 at 614 Country Club Ave. between 5 and 8 pm. Please stop by for a drink in Frank's honor.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 24 at 10 am at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E. Fort Walton Beach. He will be interred at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Schroeder for his many years of care, and the nurses at Twin Cities Hospital who were so attentive to Frank and his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association |alz.org; or your favorite charity.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com
Published in Northwest Florida Daily News on February 22, 2012
LTCOL, US AIR FORCE
KOREA, VIETNAM
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…"
Franklin Henry Valade, Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force retired, a resident of Fort Walton Beach for 48 years, passed away January 20, 2012.
Frank was born to Arthur Louis and Florence Cahours Valade, July 4, 1931 in River Rouge, Michigan, the 5th of seven children. Eager to serve his country at the end of the Korean war, he enlisted as a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. As a navigator, he earned his wings and realized his dream of becoming a pilot. Performing his duties and supporting his growing family, he earned his BS and ME degrees from Texas A&M University. He retired from Eglin AFB Test and Armament Division in 1972 after 21 years' service, returning as a civil servant for another 20 years until his final retirement in 1994. Frank was proud that he was able to serve his country for 41 years.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arthur Lee Valade and Richard A Valade. He leaves behind his wonderful wife of 33 years, Valerie Evans Valade; his children, Michelle J Woodham and husband Brian of Mobile, Ala., Franklin H "Bud" Valade, Jr. and fiancé Chin Vaughan of Shanghai, China, Kathryn M. Valade of Fort Collins, Colorado, Timothy A Valade of Fort Collins, Colorado, Nicholas Laird and wife Claudia of Orlando and Rori Laird of Fort Walton Beach; grandchildren, Brian Woodham, Jr, Jeremy Woodham, Kevin Valade, Brannon Valade, Shylah Kirch, John Kirch, Jr, Ashley Kirch, Trace Valade, Tristan Valade, Taylor Valade and Nicole Laird. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Sonderman of Littleton, Colorado, Shirley Rugg of Allen Park, Mich, Joan Aben and husband Jerry of Wyandotte, Mich, Mary Parks and husband Darrell of Owasso, Mich, and sister in law Marian Valade of Northville, Michigan.
Frank was a member of the Eglin Yacht Club and Order of Daedalians 61st Seagull Flight. He enjoyed playing Bridge and had fun playing Stook with his buddies – especially when he won!
During his final years, Frank was afflicted with acute back pain which left him progressively debilitated. Despite his affliction, Frank was an inspiration to those around him as his warm, positive spirit prevailed with unending courage to face life's difficulties with a cheerful smile. Frank was deeply loved by many family and friends, who will celebrate his life with cherished memories.
"And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Thursday, February 23 at 614 Country Club Ave. between 5 and 8 pm. Please stop by for a drink in Frank's honor.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 24 at 10 am at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E. Fort Walton Beach. He will be interred at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Schroeder for his many years of care, and the nurses at Twin Cities Hospital who were so attentive to Frank and his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association |alz.org; or your favorite charity.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com
Published in Northwest Florida Daily News on February 22, 2012
KOREA, VIETNAM
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…"
Franklin Henry Valade, Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force retired, a resident of Fort Walton Beach for 48 years, passed away January 20, 2012.
Frank was born to Arthur Louis and Florence Cahours Valade, July 4, 1931 in River Rouge, Michigan, the 5th of seven children. Eager to serve his country at the end of the Korean war, he enlisted as a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. As a navigator, he earned his wings and realized his dream of becoming a pilot. Performing his duties and supporting his growing family, he earned his BS and ME degrees from Texas A&M University. He retired from Eglin AFB Test and Armament Division in 1972 after 21 years' service, returning as a civil servant for another 20 years until his final retirement in 1994. Frank was proud that he was able to serve his country for 41 years.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arthur Lee Valade and Richard A Valade. He leaves behind his wonderful wife of 33 years, Valerie Evans Valade; his children, Michelle J Woodham and husband Brian of Mobile, Ala., Franklin H "Bud" Valade, Jr. and fiancé Chin Vaughan of Shanghai, China, Kathryn M. Valade of Fort Collins, Colorado, Timothy A Valade of Fort Collins, Colorado, Nicholas Laird and wife Claudia of Orlando and Rori Laird of Fort Walton Beach; grandchildren, Brian Woodham, Jr, Jeremy Woodham, Kevin Valade, Brannon Valade, Shylah Kirch, John Kirch, Jr, Ashley Kirch, Trace Valade, Tristan Valade, Taylor Valade and Nicole Laird. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Sonderman of Littleton, Colorado, Shirley Rugg of Allen Park, Mich, Joan Aben and husband Jerry of Wyandotte, Mich, Mary Parks and husband Darrell of Owasso, Mich, and sister in law Marian Valade of Northville, Michigan.
Frank was a member of the Eglin Yacht Club and Order of Daedalians 61st Seagull Flight. He enjoyed playing Bridge and had fun playing Stook with his buddies – especially when he won!
During his final years, Frank was afflicted with acute back pain which left him progressively debilitated. Despite his affliction, Frank was an inspiration to those around him as his warm, positive spirit prevailed with unending courage to face life's difficulties with a cheerful smile. Frank was deeply loved by many family and friends, who will celebrate his life with cherished memories.
"And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Thursday, February 23 at 614 Country Club Ave. between 5 and 8 pm. Please stop by for a drink in Frank's honor.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 24 at 10 am at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E. Fort Walton Beach. He will be interred at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Schroeder for his many years of care, and the nurses at Twin Cities Hospital who were so attentive to Frank and his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association |alz.org; or your favorite charity.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com
Published in Northwest Florida Daily News on February 22, 2012
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