DENTON - Frank D. Zeigler Jr., 94, of Denton, MD, died Thursday, June 29, 2017 at UMSMC (Memorial Hospital) in Easton, MD. Born in Easton Emergency Hospital (Memorial Hospital) on Jan. 22, 1923, Frank was the son of the late Frank D. Zeigler Sr. and Lelia Ann Cool Zeigler. He was predeceased by his first wife, Esther Kellam Zeigler; and a sister, Mary Catherine Zeigler Derrickson.
After graduating from Caroline High School in 1940, he attended Western Maryland College on a complete senatorial scholarship. With one semester left, he was drafted into the Maritime Service of World War II. Because of his conscientious objection to gun violence, he served as a marine engineer mainly in New Zealand and Australia, eventually receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1946. He married Esther Kellam after completing college and taught Biology at Greensboro High School, and then on Long Island, NY. A farm boy at heart, Frank returned to Denton where he farmed with his father for 10 years, cultivating 450 acres of fruit and melons. In 1956, he began selling Nationwide Insurance which became a 32-year career.
After Esther passed away, he married Mary Joyce Crouse Cherry in 1969, and upon retiring at age 65 joined her in showing her oil paintings along the East Coast. During this time they became the proprietors of Dunning Bed and Breakfast, opening their home to guests whenever they were home.
Frank's love of people and causes extended well into the community, earning him a Citizenship Award. He held various positions in the Farm Bureau, Young Democrat's Club, Denton Volunteer Fire Company, Democratic State Central Committee, Caroline County Board of Library Trustees, Interfaith Housing Committee, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Choptank Ruritan Club, Burrsville Ruritan Club, Caroline County Bird Club, among others.
Frank and Joyce participated in many peace marches in the seventies and eighties, from Washington, D.C., to New York City. He was the local spokesman for the Ground Zero Organization and a fair and compassionate judge of the Orphan's Court for 16 years. Frank was a member of Third Haven Society of Friends (Quakers) for over 60 years, serving as Clerk of the Meeting for much of that time. He also enjoyed being a census enumerator.
Mr. Zeigler was a hardworking, kind, caring gentleman who befriended all he met. He possessed an ever present dry wit and could see the positive side of any given situation. An avid gardener and a voracious reader, he frequently attempted to educate his healthcare providers on the proper usage of nutritional supplements. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him.
In addition to his wife Joyce of Denton, Frank is survived by three daughters: Ellen Zeigler Jones (Larry) of Friendsville, MD; Patti Cherry Shaffer of Greensboro, MD; Sue Ellen Cherry of Ridgely, MD; one sister, Martha Ann Schmick of Easton (formerly of Preston); five grandsons: Brian Jewell (Meredith); Michael Jewell; John Bronson Bishop (Cassie); Cody Bishop (Amber); Wade Myers; and four great-grandchildren: Lizzie Jewell, Kyle Jewell, Damian White and Gracie Bishop.
A Memorial Celebration in the manner of Friends will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 16 at Third Haven Friends Meeting, 405 S. Washington St., Easton, MD, where stories and anecdotes of Frank will be welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Third Haven Student Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2379, Easton, MD 21601.
To offer online condolences, please visit: moorefuneralhomepa.com.

This obituary was originally published in The Star Democrat.

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Published by The Star Democrat from Jul. 3 to Jul. 6, 2017.