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Frank Sturges Obituary
1929-2010
Frank was born April 8, 1929 in Jay Oklahoma, the son of James Alva Sturges and Ira May Sturges (Dick) and passed away November 6, 2010 at home with his family. Frank was the youngest of 8 children, two brothers: Jim and George, and five sisters: Cynthia, Jessie, Christine, Gerry and Geneva.
Frank grew up in Arroyo Grande and graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1948. After high school he moved to Oregon where he worked in a lumber mill as an oilier. He moved back to Arroyo Grande where he worked for his father-in-law at Baxter Lumber Co. He worked several more jobs before he found his calling by starting Coast Vacuum Truck Service in 1971. The company grew and prospered until he closed the doors and retired December 31, 1988.
His hobbies included spending time with his family, hunting, fishing and buying classic cars and restoring them. Summers were spent at their cabin in South Lake Tahoe with family and friends. He was a member of the world famous Santa Maria Elks Lodge 1568 and the Petroleum Club of Santa Maria. Frank lived his life with dignity, integrity and a strong work ethic.
Frank is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 61 years, Betty June (Gardner) Sturges, who he was a true gentleman for. In 61 years of marriage she never had to fill up her car with gas. He is also survived by one sister Gerry; two daughters: Karon (Sturges) Tomlinson and Debra (Sturges) Melby; four grandchildren: Aaron Sturges-Melby, Robyn Tomlinson, Ian Tomlinson and Alexander Melby: and great-grandchildren Aiden Frank Sturges-Melby and soon to arrive Adalyn Sturges-Melby.
The family would like to thank the Hospice Partners of the Central Coast for their loving support and care during his final days.
Funeral services are open to all and will be at Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel. 1239 Longbranch Ave. Grover Beach CA, 93433. The service will start at 1:00 PM on Saturday, Nov. 13th 2010. A Reception will follow at The Gate Vineyard Fellowship 3010 Skyway Dr. Suite A. Santa Maria, CA. 93455. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Sturges
Tom fisher
November 12, 2022
God bless you and your family FRANK you were a good friend I loved working for you I´ll miss you forever your friend always TOM
November 15, 2010
Aunt Betty, Karon, Debbie and families: I am so sorry for your loss, Uncle Frankie will be missed by all. Frankie and I could talk on phone and laugh and enjoy jokes and I'll always remember his infectious laugh. I am so close in age to you both that you always felt like my sister and brother. Such memories we have as little kids shooting marbles, dancing (jitterbugging) at Metolius--Betty we laughed about that and me standing up at your wedding 61+ years ago. Our visits in AZ were so precious to me and you are all in my heart and prayers. I'm sorry I could not be there (I tried but didn't work out). He is looking down on you all and with his dear sisters and brothers and his love and life will be with you forever. Hope this gets in book as is second one I sent--tells you how my mind doesn't work.
All our love and prayers to you all,
Ira Sue Mikkelsen and Family.
Genita Frazier
November 13, 2010
To All,
I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by all. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. As, we are never ready to loose them no matter how young or old or how sick or how healthy that they are. He is now in heaven with his family - they were there to great him with big hugs. Sorry that we could not be there but just know that we are thinking of you.
All our love,
Genita Frazier & Family & Lee Jay Larmon ( Judy Pendergraft Hutchison's family)
Jamie Moore
November 12, 2010
Uncle Frank you will be missed so much! It was always funny to hear you call my Grandpa Jim "Junior" because to me you were his "Junior" because you always looked like a younger version of him. We love you!! Have a great time in heaven with all your brothers and sisters!!! Love your great niece Jamie Moore
Gail Gullickson-Ellis
November 12, 2010
Betty, Karon and Debbie,
I am very sad to hear of your loss. I can't really think about growing up at all without thinking of your family. My thoughts are with you.
Jackie Crandall
November 12, 2010
I knew Frank years ago when I worked for Garland King. Frank knew my father in law Hod Crandall. I belonged to the Petroleum Club of Santa Maria and Frank was friends with many in the oilfield businesses. Frank was always a gentlemen. Betty~ my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Marge Lorenz
November 12, 2010
I will miss you Uncle Frankie, loved talking to you on the phone and laughing with you. God Bless you. Love your niece, Marge Lorenz
Dick Dal Porto
November 11, 2010
I met Frank when I went to work for Easter Rents when I was twenty years old. He was a great and appreciated role model for me. Thanks Frank. Betty and family, may memories keep him close to all of us. Always, Dick
Dwaine Burgess
November 11, 2010
Dear Uncle Frankie you will be missed loved you so. Dwaine
Lynn Moore
November 11, 2010
I have wonderful memories of my Uncle Frank that he and his family gave to me that can never be taken away no matter where he is. All my love to the family Big Hugs. Love Lynn
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