Obituary for Frank Ray Armstrong
Frank Ray Armstrong, 83, of Durant, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. He was born to parents Frank and Ava (Mahana) Armstrong, on January 31, 1940, in Caddo, Oklahoma.
Frank graduated from Caddo High School and served his country in both the U.S. Army and National Guard. Upon completing his military service, Frank attended Southeastern Oklahoma State College in Durant, with a primary focus on architecture.
Frank married Wilma Jean Leach and welcomed her three children to his family on August 17, 1969 in Sherman, Texas, becoming an instant father and family man. Frank and Jean provided a loving home for their three children, whom Frank not only embraced as his own, but also legally adopted and shared his surname. He was a wonderful husband and father and while he could be demanding, he was always, always fair. He had a passion for ensuring his three children attended college and considered their graduation among his greatest accomplishments.
Frank was a very hard-working man and successful entrepreneur who initially supported his multiple business activities by delivering a variety of city newspapers to a three-county area in Southeastern Oklahoma and investing that income to start-up or purchase several businesses, including a car wash, three laundromats, two grocery stores, multiple rental properties, a dry cleaner and an ice manufacturing and distribution business. He led by example and helped develop a strong work ethic among his family.
Frank was known by his relatives, friends, and business acquaintances as a man of few words, but much wisdom and an unwavering commitment to always do the right thing. He would help anyone in need regardless of his own situation. He very much enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, teaching them all by setting a good example. He loved to travel and enjoyed numerous cruises and especially loved to travel to Alaska and the old west part of the United States.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Ava Armstrong, and sister Betty Jean Wells.
Frank is survived by his wife, Jean Armstrong, of the home, two daughters Gail Armstrong, Durant, and Debbie Speers (husband Steve), Durant, and son, Greg Armstrong (wife Melinda), Houston, and two brothers Charles Armstrong (wife Peggy), Ft. Worth, and Rick Armstrong (wife Teri), Durant, as well as grandchildren Staci Allen, Stephanie Wingo, Alexis Armstrong, Tylon Armstrong and Darren Armstrong. Great-grandchildren Chloe Wingo, Bo Wingo, Briar Wingo, Jory Allen, Lily Armstrong, and Logan Armstrong. He was also blessed with and survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A family visitation will be held from 6:00 – 7:00PM on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Gordon Funeral Home in Durant, Oklahoma.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Caddo, Oklahoma with Brent Gordon officiating. Fred Nickles will be an honorary pallbearer. Lee Nickles, Troy Phillips, Tom Jones, Scott Moore, Harold Gordon, and Red Lawson will serve as pallbearers.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. 3rd, Durant, PH- 580-916-9090, www.gordonfh.com
Frank graduated from Caddo High School and served his country in both the U.S. Army and National Guard. Upon completing his military service, Frank attended Southeastern Oklahoma State College in Durant, with a primary focus on architecture.
Frank married Wilma Jean Leach and welcomed her three children to his family on August 17, 1969 in Sherman, Texas, becoming an instant father and family man. Frank and Jean provided a loving home for their three children, whom Frank not only embraced as his own, but also legally adopted and shared his surname. He was a wonderful husband and father and while he could be demanding, he was always, always fair. He had a passion for ensuring his three children attended college and considered their graduation among his greatest accomplishments.
Frank was a very hard-working man and successful entrepreneur who initially supported his multiple business activities by delivering a variety of city newspapers to a three-county area in Southeastern Oklahoma and investing that income to start-up or purchase several businesses, including a car wash, three laundromats, two grocery stores, multiple rental properties, a dry cleaner and an ice manufacturing and distribution business. He led by example and helped develop a strong work ethic among his family.
Frank was known by his relatives, friends, and business acquaintances as a man of few words, but much wisdom and an unwavering commitment to always do the right thing. He would help anyone in need regardless of his own situation. He very much enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, teaching them all by setting a good example. He loved to travel and enjoyed numerous cruises and especially loved to travel to Alaska and the old west part of the United States.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Ava Armstrong, and sister Betty Jean Wells.
Frank is survived by his wife, Jean Armstrong, of the home, two daughters Gail Armstrong, Durant, and Debbie Speers (husband Steve), Durant, and son, Greg Armstrong (wife Melinda), Houston, and two brothers Charles Armstrong (wife Peggy), Ft. Worth, and Rick Armstrong (wife Teri), Durant, as well as grandchildren Staci Allen, Stephanie Wingo, Alexis Armstrong, Tylon Armstrong and Darren Armstrong. Great-grandchildren Chloe Wingo, Bo Wingo, Briar Wingo, Jory Allen, Lily Armstrong, and Logan Armstrong. He was also blessed with and survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A family visitation will be held from 6:00 – 7:00PM on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Gordon Funeral Home in Durant, Oklahoma.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Caddo, Oklahoma with Brent Gordon officiating. Fred Nickles will be an honorary pallbearer. Lee Nickles, Troy Phillips, Tom Jones, Scott Moore, Harold Gordon, and Red Lawson will serve as pallbearers.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. 3rd, Durant, PH- 580-916-9090, www.gordonfh.com