Gerald Wayne “Jerry” Frank, 92, died May 2, 2025, at Via Christi Village in Hays.
Jerry was born on May 29, 1932, in Hays, to Frederick “Fritz” and Crescentia “Chris” (Glassman) Frank. He lived in Fairport during his early years, moving to Hays when he was four years old. As a young man, he mowed lawns and managed the second-largest newspaper route in town, with over 100 papers.
He spent his freshman year of high school in a seminary in Pennsylvania, then returned to Hays to finish his education at St. Joseph’s Military Academy, graduating in 1950. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. Jerry was called into active duty in August of 1950, and served in the Korean War for 18 months. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with six Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1952.
After the war, Jerry returned to Hays and his job as a bottle machine operator at the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company. He later embarked on a 38-year career at Premier Wine and Spirits (previously State Distributors), where he began as a warehouse and delivery man and worked his way up to warehouse manager before retiring in 1992.
Jerry was a devout Catholic, deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother, and a living embodiment of humility and generosity. His entire life was dedicated to taking care of others, from his grandparents, his mother, and his brothers to his aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. When his home wasn’t buzzing with family, it was the site of pinochle games and long porch talks with friends he’d known since childhood. He loved fishing at Kirwin Reservoir, gave away the best vegetables from his large garden and the most beautiful flowers from his greenhouse, and appreciated a simple bowl of ice cream. He was a loyal fan of Royals baseball, Jayhawks basketball, and Chiefs football.
Jerry is survived by his cousins Terry Glassman, Belinda Hartman, Susan Meyers, Martha (Donald) Lang, John (Rhonda) Glassman, Rick (Cheryl) Glassman, Mike (Sandy) Glassman, Mark (Dee) Glassman, and Chris Glassman; his sister-in-law, Lana Frank; and his nieces and nephews Michelle McRae, Jennifer Whitmer, Melanie (Henry) Moss, Amy (Troy) Stump, Mike (Angel) Frank, Rachel (Craig) Staab, Heather (Cory) Myers, Patrick (Amanda Brown) Frank, Erin (Scott) Quintana, William (Amanda) Frank, Nicole (Reese Barrick) Frank, Marisa Frank, and Eric Frank; and as well as 30 great-nieces and nephews; and 29 great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters-in-law Frederick “Jim” Frank, Robert (Sally) Frank, Harold “Hap” Frank, and Kenneth (Andra) Frank; his niece Elizabeth Frank; his aunts and uncles Louis Glassman, Wilfred Glassman, Daniel (Faye) Glassman, Eugene “Dusty” (Marguerite) Glassman, Marcella “Sally” (Teddy) Smith, Marietta (Phonse) Ruder, Robert (Mary Frances) Glassman, Florian “Bunch” (Reita) Glassman, and Elmo Glassman; and his many loyal, cherished cousins.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 8, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays. Burial with military honors will follow in the St. Joseph's Cemetery. Fr. Fred Gatschet and Fr. Harvey Dinkel will officiate.
Visitation will be Wednesday 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7:00 PM. Thursday visitation will be 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM all at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Memorials are suggested to Holy Family Elementary and to masses. Please share memories and words of comfort on Jerry's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com