Emmer Monroe Frank

Emmer Monroe Frank, 89, of Harrisonburg, Va., formerly of Singers Glen, died Wednesday, September 23, 2009 in Harrisonburg, Va. Emmer was born August 23, 1920 and lived his entire life on the family farm near Singers Glen, Va. until moving to the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community a few years ago. He was predeceased by his parents, James W.M. and Alice Brady Frank and five siblings Catherine Devers, Lucy Smith, James Newton Frank, Charles Frank and Dennis Frank. Emmer attended Singers Glen Elementary School and Linville Edom High School. He married Lillian Mills, of Scottsville, Va. on January 3, 1942. His job at People's Chevrolet of Harrisonburg was interrupted by World War II. Emmer served in the Air Force from October 1942 through December 1945. He was promoted to corporal after airplane mechanic's school. During his service he worked on B-17's that trained crews headed to European Theater and then was stationed on Guam for six months servicing B-29's. After the war, he continued working as a mechanic until becoming a rural letter carrier at the post office in Linville, Va. in January 1953. Emmer retired December 31, 1993 with 41 years service. Through his years he was involved with the Singers Glen Ruritan Club, a former member of the Carl D. Lee Post 9872 and currently a member of the Myers-Hodges VFW Post 8644, American Legion and the Rural Letter Carriers Association. Emmer and Lillian are members of the Donovan Memorial United Methodist Church. His family, church and community were central to his life. Family gatherings and the annual Frank reunion gave him joy. Emmer lived an independent life on his own terms. Emmer is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lillian and their four children, Elizabeth and Bill Sar, Roanoke, James and Sue Frank, Harrisonburg, John and Jane Frank, Roanoke and Lois and Don Bucher, Harrisonburg; 10 grandchildren, six greatgrandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The Rev. Jim Radford will conduct a funeral service Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Singers Glen Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at any time. There will be a meal and the family will receive friends following the service at the Donovan Memorial United Methodist Church social hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon's International, 6501 Confederacy Drive, Penn Laird, Va. 22846. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com.