Spooner, Frank Somers 1916-2012

SPOONER, HAMOR, MAUPIN, LONG

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 2/9/2014 at 11:31:30

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Oct. 1, 2012

FRANK SPOONER

Frank Spooner, 96, of Grinnell, died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at Windsor Manor in Grinnell.

A funeral service was held Friday, Sept. 21, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with the Rev. John Epperson officiating. Interment with military rites will be in Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.

Memorial contributions may be designated to the Frank S. Spooner Memorial Fund to benefit organizations of the family's choice. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.smithfh.com.

Frank Somers Spooner was born on Sept. 5, 1916, in Grinnell, the son of Linsey William and Helen Hamor Spooner. He was raised in Grinnell and he graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1934.

On March 24, 1941, he enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country during World War II. He served as a medic Staff Sergeant in the 29th Infantry Division landing in the second wave on Omaha Beach on D Day continuing on to Berlin at war's end. He was proud of his military service and humble about the events he experienced. Frank was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion.

On March 9, 1956, he was united in marriage with Maxine Maupin in Raton, N.M. The couple lived in Denver, Colo., for a short while, then moved to Grinnell in 1958. He worked for the city of Grinnell water department and also at a local clothing store. In 1959, he began his life long career and passion of farming; the couple lived and farmed northeast of Grinnell where they raised their three sons.

Frank was a hard-working man who dearly loved his family. He was an outdoorsman who held a passion for farming and hunting. He enjoyed traveling to Arizona in the winter months, visiting with friends, and playing bingo at Meskwaki and Prairie Meadows.

Frank is survived by his three sons, Michael Spooner of Norwalk, Steven Spooner of Raleigh, N.C., and Gary Spooner of Grinnell; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Maxine Spooner in 1970; one granddaughter; his brothers, William and Clair Spooner; four sisters, Dessa, Alice, Ruby and Cecil; and his longtime friend, Pauline Long.