Frank Witham

86, of Bradenton, formerly of Palmetto, passed away on July 26, 2013. He was the husband of the late Mildred (Jonas) Witham. He was born in St. Petersburg, FL on January 13, 1927 to Maston and Florence (Rasch) Witham. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy Air Corps and worked as an aviation radioman on torpedo planes. He was a graduate of Florida State University. He worked as a general contractor in Manatee County and was an avid beekeeper. He had a passion for gardening. He was preceded in death by his wife and daughter, Shan Passwaiter. Survivors: daughter, Sue Ellen (Patrick) Bobalik and son, Jeffrey (Faith) Witham both of Bradenton; sister, Shirley (Roland) Lutz of Mary Esther; son-in-law, Donald Passwaiter of Jacksonville; grandchildren: Jennifer (Jason) Lackey, Zachary (Danielle) Passwaiter, Jessica (Michael) Whittaker, Katelyn, Taylor, and Emily Bobalik, and Tyler Witham; four great-grandchildren: Allie, Zachary, Kylie and William; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at Kicliter Funeral Home, Palmetto. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238 www.tidewell.org