Frank Tilman Spaulding

1922 - 2008

Frank passed peacefully away April 14th with his loving wife, Athena at his side in Bakersfield, where he resided for the last five years of his life. Frank was born in Long Beach, CA to Easton and Pearl Spaulding. After high school, at the age of 17, he joined the Army Air Corps, serving in WWII. He was employed as a flight instructor for Lockheed, and later went on to retire from Pan American Airlines. World War II was a great "adventure" for Frank. He loved to tell stories about his time in Burma, India, where he was assigned as a mechanic, working on "the Flying Tigers", which gave him great pride and many fond memories. Frank loved all things pertaining to WWII. He also enjoyed war strategy - i.e. Roman, Greeks, and weaponry - but most of all he had great interests in various kinds of aircrafts. Frank was also fond of the Hawaiian Islands and its diversified culture. He loved the spirit of Aloha within its people. He was a practical man - always trying to figure out the 'better mouse trap' when things needed to be done. Married to Carol Pualani Awo for 14 years, Frank spent 22 years in Hawaii where he raised his family, from 1957 - 1979. Prior to returning to Northern California in 1980, he married Athena Eiseley. He is survived by wife, Athena; 3 daughters, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Daughter, Frances Spaulding of Hawaii; Pamela Valos of Bakersfield and husband Nick: Renee Spaulding-Schneider of Moorpark, CA and New York; husband Jim; Step-children, Sandy Banducci of Florida and Bruce Drury and wife, Faye of Vacaville, CA. Frank is also survived by his brother, Earl Hultquist Jr. and wife, Sandy of Clear Lake, CA and Thomas Savage of Moorpark, his extended family and friend. Frank was preceded in death by his son, Randall Edward Spaulding in 1983. Lastly, our family would like to thank Hoffmann Hospice (Cathy, Tess, Sarah and Layne) for all of their help.  They were always there to support not only our dad but the family too. We cannot thank you enough, Cathy and Tess, for your friendship, compassion, and understanding these past six months. Mahalo Nui Loa. At dad's request, a private family memorial will be held. Frank Tilman Spaulding Dec. 19, 1922 - Apr. 14, 2008 Basham Funeral Care