Ellis, Frank Lieutenant Commander Frank King Ellis, USN retired, of Pensacola, FL, passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2016. Frank was born in Painesville, Ohio, July 26, 1933 and is a 1956 graduate of the University of Colorado. He received his wings in 1957 and later attended U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, earning a masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He retired from the Navy in 1968 and in his civilian life, worked as a financial planner and later as a real estate broker. As the U.S. Navy's first double amputee to return to active flight status, Frank is the true epitome of a faithful man. He was once asked to sum up his incredible life story in one word. The answer: faith - faith in myself, faith in my family, faith in my friends, faith in our American heritage and most important, faith in God. No Man Walks Alone. His faith and indomitable spirit touched everyone he knew and his infallible sense of honor and duty guided his actions throughout life. Frank lived to help others and no task was too much of a burden for him. Frank is survived by his wife, Christine Cecile, who has courageously and faithfully loved him beyond description, his children, David, Debbie, Dana, and Danny, and six grandchildren. In memory of a loving husband, father and devoted friend, we know that he has taken his final "flight" to be with his Father in heaven. In his new home he will bestow the same joy and happiness that he shared with all of us during his time on Earth. Graveside services will be held for the family January 6, at 11:00 am at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Family Services, 1901 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32501. Waters and Hibbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Orlando Sentinel on Jan. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Ellis

Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.

33 Entries

Dave Amidon

November 17, 2023

To the family of Frank Ellis:
I just ran across the obituary for Frank. RIP my fellow NPGS classmate. Comfort and peace from our Lord to all his family.
It was my honor to know Frank and Chris when we were in Monterey from January, to July,1967. He and I had a couple memorable flights in the T-28 together. What a great guy.....I truly admired the work he did with Vietnam casualties up at Oak Knoll military hospital.
Dave Amidon
LCDR, USN (Ret.)

Gene M. Smith, OTAC-Retired, U. S. N.

January 18, 2023

I was a young Photographer's Mate at the Post Grad School in 65-68. I had the honor of working with Cdr. Ellis on his Master's project. A true officer and gentleman: granting us all inspiration with his personal story of victory of hardship. His kind deportment, genuine sincerity of giving dignity and respect to all he met, and dedication to the Naval Service was outstanding. Sir, I wish you fair winds and following seas.

Gretchen Aschenbeck

December 31, 2021

"Uncle Frank" was best father I ever met. When I was young and playing with his kids ( I was Debbie's age), he would show us baby possums he rescued from the side of the road when their mother was hit by a car, Who else would think to go look in her pouch! They also had a pet chicken named "Hardly", because you could hardly catch her. He used to call me "Wretched Gretchen" and pick me up to throw me in the pool.
Then he would put his "legs" up on pool deck and swim with us. I will never forget him, and I am so sorry that I only now found out about his passing. He and my father, Gene Aschenbeck, went through flight school together and I've heard many stories about him. He was the only true hero I have ever met. I will never forget him. RIP Uncle Frank

Joel McCrosky

November 9, 2021

I am sorry for your loss, you may not remember me I was one of the neighborhood kids in Orange Park who would come over to your home to watch the moon landings. I have found memories for these earlier days and Mr. Ellis's kindness towards me and other kids.

GENE SMITH

November 14, 2019

I had the honor of meeting Cdr. Ellis at the PostGrad School in the early 60s. I was a Photographer's Mate in my early 20's. He was truly an Officer and a Gentleman. It was a joy to be around him; he was always upbeat and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Thank you, sir.

David Alligood

January 17, 2019

Dear Mrs. Chris, I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man and a great story. My dad, Captain Bruce T. Alligood and my mom Margaret, spoke of Frank and the zany stories and his determination. They attended Naval Post Graduate School together and I've got his book. Blessings. If you recall Bruce Alligood, I'd love to hear from you.

David B. Alligood
540-353-1859
[email protected]

Martha Wood

June 17, 2018

Dear Chris, I don't know whether you remember me, but we lived across the street from you in Coronado, CA when Frank has his accident. I stayed with your kids and mine when you went to be with him in the hospital. I still have some funny stories about the children. Frank also showed my daughter, Kerry, his prostheses. At that time, they were plastic (or something like that) and there was a hole in them. Frank had a great sense of humor and told the children a woodpecker made the hole. I doubt they truly believed that, but later when Kerry fell off the piano stool at my parents' home in Greybull, Wyoming, she looked at her leg and said reassuringly, "I don't think it's broken; I don't see any cracks." It took me a while to realize that she was thinking of Frank and his "broken" legs.

Martha Wood

Jim & Reta Tallman

December 10, 2017

Frank Ellis was one of most impressive people that I met in the Navy. No less impressive was his wife, Chris. Very sorry to learn of his passing.
My belated condolences to Chris and their family. He certainly will be remembered always in our prayers.
Jim & Reta Tallman
New Braunfels, TX.

John Herrington

July 17, 2017

I just found Mr Ellis's obituary. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. As a child in Jacksonville he came to speak to my Cub Scout Troop I think it was 1968. After hearing his story he became my hero. He was one of the reasons I joined the Navy and became an Aviation Electronics Tech. I still have an 8x10 that he signed for me. I know he is flying again.

April 23, 2017

Till Valhalla

Martha Shores Siegel

April 2, 2017

Dear Chris,
I'm so sorry to hear about Frank. I don't know if you remember me but we were friends at Boulder and my parents, son and I came to visit you in Monterey and Frank stayed with me and my family when he went to Oaknoll Hospital to be fitted for a new prosthesis. The first time I ever heard about Elvis Presley was when I went to see him in Denver with Frank and several other guys. I just read recently that he wrote in the alumni magazine about painting CU on the Flatirons. I didn't believe him at the time but he finally convinced me that he did it. I have lots of good memories from my days at Boulder. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

April 2, 2017

She

The Girls From Warrington Bank

January 26, 2017

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis was a true love story when I first met them I knew there was a wonderful story behind it so I asked and was so amazed the smile on their faces said it all im so sorry for the loss of Mr. Ellis he truly is a remarkable person

Allyson Campbell Geller

January 24, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about Frank and fondly remember our family trips to Florida. He and Chris were always so much fun to visit! It's ironic that he and my father passed away so close in time to each other. Always the best of friends at the University of Colorado and in the Navy, they never stopped competing with or one-upping each other. While Frank won the race to heaven, I have no doubt they are already creating all kinds of shenanigans. He will be missed, but also remembered in many funny stories. RIP Frank, and our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Tom Bizzell

January 11, 2017

The short time I new Frank Ellis, I was overwhelmed by his good nature that he eminated everytime you saw him. His record speaks for itself. I will keep the faith Frank until I join you.

Kim Price

January 6, 2017

Thoughts and prayers are with your family. I knew Mr. Ellis when he was in Real Estate and my Aunt Nancy Mahan and I ran a Title Insurance business in Tavares Florida. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Kim Price and Nancy Mahan

January 5, 2017

Dave and family-

We are so sorry for the loss of your father- even though we can't be there, we are thinking of you.

In honor of your father, we will be making a donation to Alzheimer's Family Services.

With love and prayers,
Mike, Tonya, Garrett and Gage Hooser

Alina Ellis

January 4, 2017

A husband, a friend, a mentor, a father, a fighter, a brother, a teacher, a listener, but to me he's always been best known as papa. Papa was a man that played the brave little Indian by tickling my feet until I laughed so hard I would pee myself. Papa was a man that would put the petal to the metal down Ellis acres on paisley with the van doors open as all the cousins screamed with excitement. Papa was a man that religiously carried around a newspaper to put behind his back while driving. Papa was a man who jumped off the highest ledge on the waterfall pool to scare his beloved wife (true love if I ever saw it). Papa was a man that set me up with my first date in life with a military man as he drove a jet ski and flung us off the float so we actually never got to introduce ourselves. Papa was that same man who accompanied me on the float and my brother flung us off (frank Jr I guess takes after frank Sr) and his artificial leg flung off hitting me in the head. Papa was a man that at an early age taught me to be comfortable in my skin as he never made his artificial legs an obstacle. Papa was a man I laughed at when I was little and admired as I became an adult. Papa was a mentor to many giving wisdom in life, financials, and faith. Papa was a man who never complained about any ailments and lived life to the fullest. I will always look up to the fighter pilot that encouraged me to join the service and become part of who I am today. I will always love the man who never let anyone walk alone. Fly high papa and I know you're flying jets up in heaven and when I look up and see those clouds forming I will think of you and all the memories I was blessed to have.
Love your granddaughter,
Alina Christine

January 4, 2017

Our sincere condolences to all of you. We were so saddened to hear of Frank's passing. Yes, he was a very intelligent, hard working man; a devoted husband and father; a devout Christian. There was also always the impish, mischievous little boy inside waiting to pop out and show his unique sense of humor and make us laugh. We feel privileged to have known Frank, and he and all of you are in our hearts and prayers.
Pat & Terry Locke

Terri Hanna

January 3, 2017

Sincerest condolences to Christine and the whole family. Frank was an inspiration to all who knew him and always had a smile and was a joy to know.

Tynnia staples

January 2, 2017

What a great guy he is. God speed our friend you definitely have your wings.Tynnia Staples

Suzanne Garrett

January 2, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Frank and send my heartfelt condolences especially to Christine as well as to all the Ellis/Robarts families. I will always remember his kindness and thoughtfulness for all - as well as his wonderful and quick wit - which never failed him. We have truly lost a great American and I know there is a special place in Heaven for Frank.

Marty Oexner

January 2, 2017

I always admired your father and even when you could see he was in pain. he seemed to smile through it. Good thoughts and prayer for peace to your family.

Ruth-Ann Bode

January 2, 2017

Dear Ellis family - I was very saddened to see Dana's Facebook post about Frank's passing. I have LOTS of good memories of you dad. He was an inspiring person, hardworking, funny, entertaining, and caring father. I remember him talking to our youth group at church about living life fully and with purpose. I also remember waterskiing with him, swim meets, messing around at Ellis Acres with all the family - and cows! Please accept my deepest sympathy on his passing. Another star shines in heaven!

Ruth-Ann Westervelt Bode

January 2, 2017

What a TRUE AMERICAN HERO!!! The fortitude and determination shown by Frank was a shining example of what a man should aspire to be. And the most amazing thing about him with the adversity he faced and overcame was his humility. As a member of Warrington Baptist Church he never failed to show real genuine concern for others in our congregation when they were facing some sort of trial. He was truly a "man among men"
and I am proud to say he was my friend!

GM Col

January 2, 2017

A great veteran and person. He will be greatly missed.

Elizabeth Carpenter

January 1, 2017

So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. He was an amazing man. I have fond memories of us all stringing barbed wire fencing on the Paisley property when you first moved there. He will be missed.

Steve Bohannon

January 1, 2017

We will remember you, an admirable man who trusted the Lord Jesus with all your heart, mind and soul. Your concern for others, especially Christine, always out shined everything. Your family at Warrington Baptist Church is praying for your lovely wife Christine and all your family as they comfort and remember their love for you and you for them. With LOVE and PRAYERS, Steve, Margo and all your church family at Warrington Baptist.

Pat Denman

January 1, 2017

Mr. Ellis was a very fine man that always had time to speak to you. He was truly a hero in my book. My thoughts & prayers are with the family.

Arcolia Wakefield

January 1, 2017

Dana,

May God grant you and your family peace through this transition and in your time of bereavement. I didn't know your father but I am forever greatful for the person he raised you to be. My prayers are for your comfort.

Love you always,
Arcolia Wakefield and family

Mary Jane Reynolds Snider

December 31, 2016

Frank was a very special man, husband and father. I will always remember his smile and sence of humor. Heavens gain and I know when Jesus takes me home I will see Frank again.
Christine, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel your pain my sweet cousin. God will grant you the strength to get through this difficult time. HE will strengthen and uphold you. I love you.
Mary Jane

Tonya Compton

December 31, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Heaven has truly gained an angel.
Deepest sympathies

December 31, 2016

A truly wonderful grandfather who was thoughtful, selfless and kind. The Linam family (Kevin, Rebekah, Joshua, and Nash), send our thoughts and sincere prayers for the Ellis - Robarts families at this time.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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