FRANK C. ELKINS

Frank, a World War II United States Navy fighter pilot, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Monday, August 20, 2012, in Fresno. Frank was born on March 29, 1920, in Modesto to Frank and Verle Elkins. He was an all-around standout athlete and Student Body President at Modesto High School. He graduated from Modesto Junior College in 1941 and immediately entered the U. S. Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. fulfilling his dream of becoming a Naval Aviator. His first assignment was aboard an escort carrier that saw action during the invasion of North Africa. From there, they sailed straight to the South Pacific where he flew Wildcats off of two different escort carriers. He is believed to be one of just a few Navy pilots who shot down enemy planes in both the European and Pacific Theaters. He also survived the sinking of his carrier by a Japanese Kamikazi plane on January 2, 1945. He received numerous ribbons and medals for his service to our country. He continued to fly in the Naval Reserves until 1955. He married Bettylou Stuhr, his college sweetheart. They were married for 49 years, raising a family of five children. Bettylou passed away in 1992. His career in the automobile business began in Modesto, and continued by purchasing a partnership interest in Kaljian Motor Co. in Dos Palos in 1954. He and Bettylou resided in Dos Palos until 1983. They moved to Fresno to be closer to family. In 2006, Frank married for the second time to Marion Bradford of Modesto, his Junior High sweetheart. They resided in Modesto until Marion's passing in May of this year. He is survived by his sons, Michael, Steven, Patrick and Richard; his daughter, Anne Beagles; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Frank's life will be held at Fort Washington Country Club at 10272 N. Millbrook, in Fresno on Saturday, September 8, 2012, at 12:00 noon. Donations may be made to Children's Hospital Central California Foundation, 9300 Valley Children's Place, Madera, Ca. 93636-8762; or Shriners Hospitals for Children-Northern Ca., 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, Ca. 95817.