Francis Elmer "Frank" Charleson

Francis (Frank) Elmer Charleson age 93 of Dixon, Missouri passed away at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri on March 9, 2024. Frank was born near Canton, New York on the 27th of September, 1930, the 4th child in a family of ten to Raymond Charleson and Maude Cougler Charleson.
Frank graduated from High School in Potsdam, New York in June 1948 and enlisted in the U S Army in August 1948, serving 23 years and retiring as a major in 1971. Service included tours in Europe, Korea, Vietnam, and various stations in the United States, including two tours in the Department of Defense at the Pentagon. Service awards include the Legion of Merit (2 awards), the Bronze Star (2 awards), the Army Commendation Medal (2 awards), the Good Conduct Medal (4 awards) and various overseas service ribbons.
After military retirement Frank completed college receiving a bachelor's degree from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Frank then returned to Missouri where he and his wife operated a beef cattle farm for 40 years.
Frank married the love of his life, Donna Ruth Fritchey, of Dixon on October 5, 1956, and three children, Marilyn, Beverly, and Steven, were born of this union.
He stayed involved in his community as an active member of the Vienna United Methodist Church, serving in numerous leadership positions in that church as well as the district and conference level. He was a certified lay speaker and conducted worship services in the absence of their pastors in 37 churches of the Rolla-Jefferson City and Mid-State district and served as a delegate to the Missouri Annual Conference Meetings for 25 years.
Frank enjoyed gardening and fishing and will be remembered for his joy in sharing of his gardening produce with others.
He is survived by his wife Donna, his three children, and by three brothers; Lyle, Ronald, Ernest, all reside in the northern New York area. Other survivors included 4 grandchildren; Kerri Allen of Washington, NC, Betony Miller of Hulbert, OK, Casey Miller of Rocklin, CA, and Katy Miller of Finley, ND. Frank is also survived by several great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Frank will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024, and Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., all in the United Methodist Church, 1102 Highway 63 North, Vienna, MO 65582, with his funeral service following at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Karen Alden officiating.
Interment will be in Kenner Cemetery, Vienna, under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.
In lieu of flowers the Frank Charleson family suggest memorials to the United Methodist Church, 1102 Highway 63 North, Vienna, MO 65582 with envelopes available at the church on the day of his service or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.
Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mr. Frank Charleson at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com