Frank Middlebrook Jr.

1924 - 2018

Frank Middlebrook, Jr.

August 8, 1924 - Nov. 21, 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - Frank Middlebrook, Jr. was born in Okolona, Mississippi on August 8, 1924 to the union of Reverend Frank and Nannie (Hughes) Middlebrook, Sr., both of blessed memory. He entered into eternal rest on November 21, 2018. He was preceded in death by eight siblings. As a young man, Frank was a farmer in Okolona and on January 17, 1944, he married Mary Lena Osborne (1925-1977). Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II in Manila Philippines. He rose to the rank of Technician Four/Sergeant. Upon discharge from the Army, he gained admission into the Okolona Junior College where he pursued studies in the Building Trade.

He joined Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in the early 50's where he served as a Deacon and a Sunday School Teacher. Frank studied his Bible daily well into his nineties. He was a prolific teacher of the word. His children remember him for his “pop quizzes” on the Bible when they were growing up, and cherish those memories today.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Lena Osborne Middlebrook; his son, Willie Frank Middlebrook; his stepson, Roosevelt Topps; and a step-daughter-in-law, Gloria Topps.

In 1979 he married Odesta Topps who survives. “Children's children are an old man's crown, and the glory of children is their father.” In this wise, Frank is survived by six children, Jesse Middlebrook of Norfolk, Virginia, Maryann (Abel) Muketo of Cameroon, West Africa, Joa Ann (Dallas) Walker of Ft. Wayne, IN, Lloyd (Carla) Middlebrook of South Bend, IN, Linda Hanan of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Louisa Joy (Anthony) Lewis of Noblesville, IN; three stepchildren, Larry Topps and Deborah Topps both of South Bend, IN, and Glenn Topps of Atlanta, GA, 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn, three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Lois Osborne of South Bend, IN, Ms. Peggy Thomas of San Jose, CA, and Mrs. Mary Aloyss of Chicago, IL; two brothers-in-law, Mr. MacArthur Osborne of Stockton, CA and Rev. Andrew Boyce of St. Louis, MO, and a host of other relatives.

Services will be at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 10:30 a.m., with viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Arrangements entrusted with ALFORD'S MORTUARY.