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Govern, Francis Whitton, Jr. 6/15/1941 to 12/1/2019 Francis Whitton Govern, Jr., born June 15, 1941 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to Colonel Francis Whitton Govern, MD and Patricia Rose Wehr Govern. He attended George Mason High School in Falls Church, Virginia where he played varsity tackle and was mentored by Coach Joe Crain. Frank attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia on a football scholarship. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts with a philosophy major, Frank served honorably in the Army as a second generation soldier during the Cold War. Moving to Southern California in the late 1960's. he worked as a manager in the biotechnology field. He helped introduce the PSA test to urologists in the early 1980's. It was during a golf game when a friend asked him to volunteer in an inner city school. Frank would go on to obtain a teaching certificate and become proficient in Spanish to teach fourth grade at Stevenson elementary school in Long Beach. He would later write their school song, still sung today. Frank married Sharon Crawford in 1983 and gained a daughter, Kelly. They would later welcome a cherished grandson Jack. Frank was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Michael Edward Govern. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Kelly Ramsey (Keith); and grandson, Jack. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Govern Fuisz; a brother, Colonel Kevin Hugh Govern (Karen); by a sister, Laura Govern Wrightson; and by nieces and nephews. Devoted to his wife, Sharon and family, he was passionate about travel, golf and his good friends. He considered the University of California Irvine basketball team his second family and cherished each and every team member and coach. Known for his generosity and easy laugh, he wanted others to succeed in their lives. In lieu of flowers, take a look around you, offer encouragement and support to those beside you and those afar.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Orange County Register.
3 Entries
Frank and I were best friends from before grade school thru about grade 5. Then my family moved away and I never saw Frank again until he walked up to me in a lunch line at college and introduced himself. From then on Frank I were best friends and ended up living together in the infamous 'fun houses' in Arlington, Va. RIP my friend. Swebb
steve webb
Friend
May 22, 2020
Condolences for Sharon and all of the family are given with a loving memory that is obviously shared by so many. Our lives crossed a junction for Frank & Sharon and Judi & Bob on a cruise ship one early morning in Paris in April 2012. In just a few days we were standing together rendering a hand salute to the fallen interned at Normandy. We cried together starting a new legacy through our new-found friendship. Frank passed to that other shore unexpectedly for us, but he marked us all with an inner-strength to help others in many diverse ways. God's Blessings to all.
Judi & Bob Snelson
December 16, 2019
May you be resting in peace Mr. Govern. Although I didn't know you personally. I know that you were a very special person. You brought so much joy to Sharon, Kelly, Jack, Keith your family and friends. They will keep you forever in their hearts.
Gloria A Sotelo
December 15, 2019
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