Frakes, Billy Jack (Bill or BJ) 1931-2012

FRAKES, LOOPER, MURRAY, ROBBEN, SCHUTT

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 3/28/2021 at 13:03:26

Billy Frakes
1931 - 2012
Des Moines

Billy Jack (Bill or BJ) Frakes, 80, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Mercy West Lakes Hospital, West Des Moines, IA. He was born November 1, 1931 in Des Moines to Ruth Schutt Looper Frakes and Wayne Frakes. He grew up on the east side and spent his formative years around the Capitol, Birdland Park and Pool, and the downtown area. He had many nostalgic memories of that area.

Early in his life Bill spent three years in the Army, mostly in Germany. After leaving the service, Bill briefly lived in Los Angeles and San Diego, California. In the early 50's when stock car racing was popular, he raced cars. In July of 1955, Bill married his wife of 56 years, Joan.

Bill loved golfing with his friends at Blank Golf Course, bowling, and playing cards as well as working outside and around his home. He enjoyed traveling in the United States, Hawaii and Europe with his wife, Joan and good friends, Jim and Margaret Murray. Bill retired from Mid-American Energy after over 40 years of service. Bill truly enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends.

Left to cherish him are his wife, Joan; his three children, Michael, Randall (Nancy) and Deb (Brian) Robben; three grandchildren, Echo, Anthony, and Skyllar; three great-grandchildren, Rylynn, Sophie and Haley; his brother, Oliver (Norma) in Florida; two nieces; one nephew; and cousins in Arizona. Preceding him in death are his parents; grandparents, John and Florence Schutt; uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Bill's body will be cremated per his wishes, but his spirit will live on in all who loved him. A service celebrating his life will be at the First Christian Church, 25th and University, Des Moines, at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 18, with visitation and luncheon to follow. The family will bury his cremains at a later date in Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines.

You, Bill, will be greatly missed by all, My Love…

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register 12 Feb 2012.