Frank Truitt

Truitt Frank Truitt, age 89, crossed to glory December 21, 2014. Earlier he had said, "When I die, don't be sad for me, because every single day I've had since the war has been a bonus." A man of great faith in Christ, Frank read his Bible cover to cover, spending time every morning reading a little. Frank has great integrity and character, and is full of enthusiasm, fun, love, and joy. His first priority was his family, whom he loved. If students in his classes wanted to avoid the subject matter of the day, they'd just ask him a question about his beloved wife Kay, or their three girls Jean, Nancy, and Susan. Frank Truitt was for 8 years the only full-time assistant coach for The Ohio State University Men's Basketball team, including when they won the NCAA Championship in 1960 - the only time the OSU team has won the NCAA Championship. Frank Truitt's contributions were critically essential to that team's achievements. Other career highlights include coaching his 1958 North High Polar Bears in the Ohio high school State Semi-Finals to a victory over Middletown, who had amassed the longest unbeaten streak (76 games) in Ohio high school basketball history. That win is still viewed as the single biggest upset across all sports in Ohio high school athletic history. Frank also brought the Kent State men's basketball program its first winning seasons in 20 years. He coached the Kent State men's golf team to an MAC Championship and to one of their highest finishes in the NCAA in 1976-77, and was named MAC Coach of the Year. He is an inducted member of at least three Halls of Fame - Ohio Veterans, Ohio High School Basketball, and Otterbein University Athletics. Frank loved his players and students - remembering them always by name. He coached and taught at The Ohio State University, Louisiana State University, Kent State University, and coached at Ohio Wesleyan. He coached basketball and taught subjects including French, Government, and History at Watterson High School, Columbus North High School, Columbus West High School, Mount Gilead, and Bloomingburg. He graduated from Otterbein University with BS and BA degrees in History and Government in 1950. At Otterbein he played basketball and helped found and played on the golf team. He earned an MA in Physical Education from Ohio State in 1962. Frank held a Broker's Real Estate license, and Kay and Frank worked together as a team in real estate. A competitive golfer, Frank held club championships at most of the courses he played as a member. Drafted into World War II before graduating from Worthington High School in 1943, Frank was in three major battles - The Battle of the Bulge, The Battle of the Rhine, and The Battle of the Ardennes Forest. "It's easy to figure out how to pray," Frank said, "when you're in a foxhole praying to live to see your 20th birthday. You don't worry about style." He served in the 282nd Combat Engineers Battalion of Patton's Army. Frank is adored and loved by his family, and he will be missed beyond measure. We miss his quips, his humor, his zest, his love and hugs, his charismatic warmth. Frank was a source of inspiration, fun, and love for everyone whose path crossed his. He knew every person was worthy of the full measure of dignity and respect, for each was of equal worth. He knew by name everyone who worked in the produce section at the grocery store, and treated them with the same interest and respect he'd treat a president. Frank is survived by his beloved wife Kay. They were married for 66 years. He is also survived by two of their four daughters, Nancy (Larry) Truitt Blosser and Jean (John) Ervasti; grandchildren, Jean, Grant (Samantha) Caroline and Scott Truitt Blosser, Jack and Lark Ervasti, Tory Loux, Austen and Ian Smith. Frank is survived by his loyal brother and sister-in-law, Jay and Phyllis Truitt; and by his loyal sister, Fran Truitt. Frank is also survived by nieces and nephews whom he loves. Frank rejoins his and Kay's daughters, Susan Truitt and Baby Girl Truitt; his sister, Mary Evelyn; and his parents, Frank and Charlotte Truitt. Frank's life will be celebrated in a private family service. Messages of remembrance or condolence may be entered at www.schoedinger.com or may be sent to 2357 Southway Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43221. Frank Truitt's remains will be buried in a private ceremony at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL.