LTC Frank M. Rasbury

Frank M. Rasbury Jr., Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army (Retired) received permanent change of station orders and was promoted into the world beyond on July 24, 2025. He was born March 6, 1928 in Buffalo, New York to Frank Sr. & Gladys (Young) Rasbury. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two younger siblings, Carroll Eugene and Marjorie Louise, all of whom died in Los Angeles, California where they are interred. Upon his graduation from high school in 1946, Frank attended both Los Angeles City College and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Enlisting in the Army in 1951, Frank remained on active duty for more than 20 years, rising in rank from Private to Lt. Colonel, having served in both Korea and Vietnam and earning several decorations. Upon his retirement from the military, while living in New York's Long Island, Frank undertook several civilian positions most prominent of which was service as the Executive Director of the Nassau County Chapter of the American Red Cross. It was during this time that he was introduced to the Rotary Club International and was elected Hempstead Rotary Club President (1979-1980) and Governor, District 725 (1983-1984). He was Rotary's Observer to the United Nations in 1985 & 1986. Frank was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He also served the Retired Officers Club of Long Island for two terms as its President (1986-1987). In 1987, Frank and his wife Naida, retired in Ocala, Florida where they both worked extensively in local charitable organizations. Joining the Kingdom of the Sun Chapter of the Retired Officer Association (TROA), now known as the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Frank spent two terms as Chapter President (1992 & 1993) and he also participated otherwise as his talents led him. He continued his long-term Rotary membership in the Rotary Club of Ocala until his demise. He led a group study exchange team to Hong Kong and Macau in 1991. At Central Florida Community College (now The College of Central Florida), he served as President of the Senior Institute as the Chairman of the District Board of Trustees. He was also a Charter Member of the Appleton Museum of Art. Frank enjoyed motorcycling and he and his wife were very active members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, serving as the Chapter Director, Couple of the year, and International Director of Global Affairs. Being a former Army paratrooper, Frank joined with a few others to form the North Central Florida All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, which continues to thrive today. He was the Inaugural Chapter Secretary. Frank also held memberships in the American Legion and The Veterans of Foreign Wars. For several years, Frank and his wife enjoyed their motorhome and traveling throughout the country. In 2002-2007, he served as the President of the Florida Sunshine Chapter of S.M.A.R.T. (Special Military Active Retired Travel Club). He was fond of their motto: "Seeing the County We Defend". Additionally, he was a long time faithful and dedicated member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, where he occupied multiple leadership positions. Frank is survived by his wife Naida, daughter Robbin (Ted), Son Eric (Jean), son Stanley. Son Gordon predeceased him in 2024. Also surviving are grandchildren Tamara, Aaron, Bryan and Michael Christian as well as numerous cousins scattered around the country that will remember his legacy. A Memorial Service will be conducted at St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 9am. Immediately to follow will be a repast. Internment will held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida following the repast.