Benjamin Frank

Benjamin Frank, 90, died Monday (May 5, 2003) at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

He was born Jan. 13, 1913, in McCook, to Casper and Katherine E. Frank. He grew up in McCook and attended McCook High School. In 1937, he began flying as a commercial pilot.

On Dec. 25, 1937, he married Helen Julie Murdock at Oberlin. He trained pilots for the U.S. Navy during World War II and became manager of the McCook Airport. He began Junior College Flying Service and became the first Fixed Base Aviation Operator at the McCook Airport. He started the first weather station at McCook Airport in 1949. He retired in 1985.

He was a member of the McCook Elks Lodge No. 1434 in McCook. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joe Frank and an infant brother, Harry; and two sisters, Alvena Breitling and an infant sister, Hulda Frank.

Survivors include a daughter, Vickie Sue and husband, Pete McNeill of Antioch, Calif.; three sisters, Evelyn Morgan of McCook, Darlene Grimm of Arlington Heights, Ill., and Jean Reed of Denver, Colo.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be Thursday, 2 p.m., at Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook with the Rev. Fred Sevier officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park.

Friends may call at Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Herrmann Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of arrangements.