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Frank Tribble Obituary
Des Moines
Frank Tribble passed away at age 64 on Saturday, October 26 at home in Des Moines under the care of his two sons, Brandon Tribble and Kris Dennett. Brandon stayed with him for the last month of his life making it possible for Frank to remain at home and Kris was with him at the end.
Frank came to Des Moines from his hometown Cincinnati at age 17 to attend Drake University where he received his degree in art. While a visual artist, his true passion was jazz guitar and music composition. He was a well-known and respected performer in Des Moines for 30 years and for 10 years in Portland, OR. He was inducted in the Jazz Hall of Fame in Iowa. Frank worked in the Des Moines school system as an art teacher, at the Iowa Refugee Service Center, and at the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.
In honor of his life with us there will be a memorial celebration this Saturday, November 2 between 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Sam and Gabes restaurant at 8631 Hickman Road. Musicians are invited to bring their own instruments for a jam session.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Tribble
Scott Berry
April 3, 2024
Frank I still think of you often. Your knowing eyes and softspoken demeanor meant a lot to me and to many others. I'm hearing "Urban Suburban" in my mind right now. Miss you my friend.
Lisa Lyons
October 30, 2014
Frank, You deeply touched my heart and life. You gave me encouragement about singing professionally. I will be forever greatful that I was bold and came to you the first day we met. I asked if you would be interested in "doing some music together." You said yes(God knew what that was going to mean to my heart). The first time you put your fingers on those guitar strings and played "Fly Me to the Moon" while I sang, my heart was gone. The natural flow between singer and musician came to life in that moment. I realized then what an incredibly talent jazz guitarist you were. We shared the same deep passion for our music and jazz. Singing is in my blood like playing was in yours. I need to sing like I need to breathe. You understood this about me. Thank you for making our jazz CD for your gift of music. You are a tender, loving man. Thank you for our time together. God gave us a kindred spirit and an intimate connection. I am blessed because you have been in my life and been a part of it. You will be in my heart always and I will forever love you. I will see you with Jesus one day again. I love you. Lisa Lyons
Allan Thompson
December 19, 2013
I never met a musician who amazed me after just 2 weeks of learning his instrument,until Frank joined his first band where I was bassist.I was looking him up but was shocked to know I cannot now . He was the best human being I ever met!
Bonnie Lucas
November 26, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear about Frank's passing. I worked with him briefly in Portland and enjoyed his kindness and sense of humor...I'm so sorry for his family's loss.
November 8, 2013
The refugees and immigrants you helped change their life by teaching them English will always remember you. God Bless you.
Debbie Durham
November 7, 2013
Frank was a gentleman and fine jazz musician. Our Iowa connection surfaced when we both taught in Portland OR at the Immigration and Refugee center. His Portland friends will miss him greatly.
Pascal Maboko
November 7, 2013
We knew him teaching refugees and immigrants English, also American culture. As Kirundi,Swahili interpreter, I worked with him , asking me how to call his students correctly in our language.
God knows why he called his early, To us now to be ready because the time is soon.
May God be with his family, this is the Jesus love.Hope see him again in Jesus name.
Salaad O'Barrow
November 7, 2013
Frank was an amazing teacher who was so eager to assist his students at Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization in Portland, Oregon. He was also a great colleague here. God Bless and keep his family safe and strong in this hard time.
MAng Pau
November 7, 2013
We lost amazing guy,
Mang Pau, Portland OR
Rukia mohamed
November 7, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. He was a great co-worker at IRCO.
November 5, 2013
Goodbye Frank...
James Terry
Janice Scroggins
November 4, 2013
God bless and keep Frank's family. We will miss him.
Chisao Hata
November 4, 2013
Frank was an amazing artist. He and I shared a Des Moines history, love of art and music and good wine.
Ileen Ensley
November 3, 2013
You are free Frank. Your pure soul will illuminate Heaven beyond it's usual radiance, and may you play in peace in your eternal gig.
November 2, 2013
Our condolences to the Tribble family. Frank shine will be missed - we always enjoyed his presence and talents when he visited and played with the Susie Miget Trio at Mayno's.
Marilyn and Benjamin Nicholas
owners-operators of Mayno's
Play on Frank..................
Satira Duncan-Brooks
November 2, 2013
To the family of Mr. Frank Tribble, Our prayers and sympathy are with you. God has Frank in heaven playing jazz to the angels. Frank will truly be missed by All. Satira Duncan-Brooks (Julius Brooks former wife). God Bless.
PHIL STEFFEN
November 1, 2013
Frank was an inspiration to many Des Moines area guitarists. But beyond his obvious musical skills, Frank was truly a kind and wonderful man.
Russ Gere
November 1, 2013
God Bless Frank and your two sons. You are missed.
REO VARNADO
November 1, 2013
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE TRIBBLE FAMILY. YOU HAVE MY PRAYERS AND MY LOVE. YOUR FATHER WAS A GREAT MAN. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED. FROM REO
Fred McLaughlin
November 1, 2013
Many happy memories of working with you. Rest in peace my friend.
LaRayne Lilley
November 1, 2013
Frank will truly be missed by many. With Deepest Sympathy to the family.
Cornell Fowler
November 1, 2013
Rest in Peace, my friend. You were as kind as you were talented. I will never forget you.
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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory - Urbandale Chapel8201 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, IA 50322
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