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Frank Linster Obituary
HARLAN — Ltc. Frank J. Linster (Ret.) passed away on March 6, 2016. He spent 52 years serving our country in uniform, 31 years on active duty and 21 years teaching high school students what it means to serve our country as a JROTC instructor. He was a decorated Vietnam helicopter pilot, who during his two tours in Vietnam was shot down 12 times, earning him the name 'Mr. Lucky'. He was a true hero and accomplished teacher who touched the lives of thousands with his quiet regard, unwavering dedication, and his unbelievable compassion. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; Son, Shaun and Daughter in law Gwyn; Daughter, Michelle; Three Grandchildren, Philip, Katie and Alison; A Great Grandson, Tyson. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Veterans Heart & Kidney Foundation. Visitation will be March 12, 2016 from 6PM to 8PM at Mount Pleasant Funeral Home in Harlan, Ky. Burial will be at Arlington Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
David Munsey
March 3, 2019
If you really want to know what kind of a man and leader LTC Frank Linster was, then listen to this link where is telling about himself and the Vietnam campaign. You can read it but it is much better listening to him tell the story. He was an awesome man. MUST LISTEN
https://vva.vietnam.ttu.edu/repositories/2/digital_objects/38082?fbclid=IwAR2UQ4e6XEF1qpOh8AcghpvYr5TCpb7LzA32BeDMmDkofU8RP9u05YcRtvo
I was so proud and honored to have worked beside him. "Mr. Lucker"
Dick Baldwin
May 20, 2016
The 1958 Classes of Sacramento High School light this patriotic candle for classmate and Lieutenant Colonel, Frank Joseph Linster. Frank was an active member of the June Class and member of the Varsity Football team.
Sam Dauer
March 25, 2016
Frank and I were classmates at Fort Sill Officer Candidate School class 24-66. It was a tough course with a high dropout rate and Frank proved to be up to the academics and to be a team player by helping others get through the course. After graduation we lost contact but reconnected a few years ago and found that we still shared many interests. Always looked forward to hearing from him and will miss his friendship.
May the Lord grant his family peace and comfort during their time of grief.
MAJ Sam Dauer, AUS, Ret.
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Ken Linster
March 18, 2016
Frank was my god father and I remember him coming to visit us when I was young. I was sad to hear of his passing. Your family will be in our prayers
Terry Johnson
March 10, 2016
Frank Linster was truly one of the finest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He was a very exceptional teacher. His students loved and respected him as he demonstrated the utmost level of professionalism. He devoted many extra hours of his time to assist his students in the attainment of their goals in life. Also, I am very proud to call him friend. He touched the lives of more people than any person I have ever known. He will be greatly missed and his legacy proudly forged in our hearts and minds. Thank you for your sacrifice, service, and never ending devotion.
Dawn Geary
March 10, 2016
Uncle Frank you were a kind and loving soul and you will be missed more than you know.
jannis osborne
March 10, 2016
Miss Ruth, I am so sorry for your loss. he was my daughters J. R.O.T.C. teacher and she loved him dearly. her nick name was Lil Bit (Rachel Osborne) and she really enjoyed school because of that class. he is a great role model for all young people. thank you for his service and thank you for your service as well. I know he will be greatly missed.
John Howard
March 10, 2016
So sorry to hear of your loss, colonel was a great man and mentor I have very fond memories of my time in JROTC at James A. Cawood H.S. because of Colonel, he will be missed greatly. You have my sympathies.
Dan Cagle and Colonel Linster
Kathy Cagle
March 10, 2016
We are saddened to know this world has lost Colonel Linster, a hero forever in our hearts. What an honor and privilege to have known and been so positively impacted by the man that he was.
Go rest high on that mountain,
Sir, your work on earth is done.
timothy brown
March 10, 2016
Ltc. Frank Linster was a friend and role model for me. He allways believed in me. His amazing war stories inspired me too set higher goals for myself. I will never forget him.
LTC Linster presenting an award.
Jacob Stitt
March 10, 2016
LTC Linster honoring the fallen at our 9/11 Ceremony
Jacob Stitt
March 10, 2016
LTC Linster presenting awards to cadets he worked passionately to teach and grow.
Jaacob Stitt
March 10, 2016
I'm so thankful to have had LTC Linster as my JROTC instructor. He gave me the tools to start learning and developing as a leader while still in high school and throughout one of the most developmental times of my life. He always demonstrated great care, compassion, patience, and respect. He was fun, crazy, and engaging, and he was passionate about doing what's right. God used him in laying the foundation for the rest of my life. Thank you for everything, sir.
Derek Peters
March 9, 2016
Linster was a good man, friend, and teacher. He impacted alot of lives. He had a lot of personal experience storys, especially back in Vietnam. He told everyone in or related to the JROTC program of those storys. He will always have a place in my heart and the hearts of the Rifle Team, as he was the former instructor of that team. We will miss him alot. My you rest in peace good friend.
Frank, "The Hatchet Man" and Dusty
CW2 Dusty Rhodes
March 9, 2016
I have fond memories of Frank.....we shared many adventures in Vietnam and marched together in the 2000 July 4th Parade in Washington DC carrying the 188th AHC Unit Citations. I extend my most sincere sympathy to Ruth and all Frank's family at this difficult time. I will always remember him.
Mary Denton
March 9, 2016
LTC Linster taught my son in JROTC at Bristol Tennessee High School. He was the best teacher and role model. May God bless his family during this time of sorrow.
Anthony McSwain
March 9, 2016
It was great working with you, many blessings to the family.
Zack Salyer
March 9, 2016
R.I.P you was a great man I looked up to you you will be missed
Jennifer Franklin
March 9, 2016
LTC Linster was one of the best men I ever knew! Always kind to everyone and was a mentor to me! He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know such a great man!
Mr Lucky
MSG Davd Munsey
March 9, 2016
LTC Linster, what a great man and a great mentor to me! What a BIG HEART he had !!! He spent most of all his life in the Army Uniform caring about others !!! He seem to always have a smile on his face. LTC Linster and his wife Ruth always cared and gave to others as if they were family !! My condolences to the Linster family !!! "Mr Lucky" god watched over him and those who he came in contact with, you will be greatly missed. God Bless !!!!!!
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122 N Cumberland Ave., Harlan, KY 40831
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