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BORN

1949

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory

8201 Hickman Rd.

Urbandale, Iowa

Frank Tribble Obituary

Frank Tribble

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.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Nov. 1, 2013.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Tribble

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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

Lisa Lyons

October 30, 2014

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!

Allan Thompson

December 19, 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.

Bonnie Lucas

November 26, 2013

The refugees and immigrants you helped change their life by teaching them English will always remember you. God Bless you.

November 8, 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.

Debbie Durham

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.

Pascal Maboko

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.

Salaad O'Barrow

November 7, 2013

We lost amazing guy,

Mang Pau, Portland OR

MAng Pau

November 7, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. He was a great co-worker at IRCO.

Rukia mohamed

November 7, 2013

Goodbye Frank...
James Terry

November 5, 2013

God bless and keep Frank's family. We will miss him.

Janice Scroggins

November 4, 2013

Frank was an amazing artist. He and I shared a Des Moines history, love of art and music and good wine.

Chisao Hata

November 4, 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.

Ileen Ensley

November 3, 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..................

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.

Satira Duncan-Brooks

November 2, 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.

PHIL STEFFEN

November 1, 2013

God Bless Frank and your two sons. You are missed.

Russ Gere

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

REO VARNADO

November 1, 2013

Many happy memories of working with you. Rest in peace my friend.

Fred McLaughlin

November 1, 2013

Frank will truly be missed by many. With Deepest Sympathy to the family.

LaRayne Lilley

November 1, 2013

Rest in Peace, my friend. You were as kind as you were talented. I will never forget you.

Cornell Fowler

November 1, 2013

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

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Memorial Events
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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory

8201 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, IA 50322

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