Frank Allen Faison

1929 - 2023

FAISON, Frank Allen, 93, passed away on March 26, 2023, after an extended illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held Graveside at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 12609 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA, 11 a.m. on November 11, 2023.

Frank was born November 14, 1929, in Richmond, VA, the second son of Patrick Lawrence and Mae Trusheim Faison. In addition to his parents, Frank was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn Roth Faison, older brother Gilbert, and grandson Sergeant James A. Slape.

He is survived by his four children, Edward L. (Cora) of Swansboro, NC; David L. (Sonya) of Warner Robins, GA; Elizabeth L. of Columbia, SC; and Patricia F. Slape (Jim) of Morehead City, NC; grandchildren, William Slape of Morehead City, NC; Stephanie (Carmelo) Marin of Savannah, GA; Gryffin McAdoo of Sumter, SC; sister in law Jewel Cowan Faison of Mechanicsville, VA; and niece Michele Lugene Faison of Mechanicsville, VA.

Frank was a child of the Depression in a family that experienced traumatic instability. His father, Patrick as a young family man had a good job at a bank and a home. This stability changed after the stock market crash and a wave of banking panics that expanded through 1933 and culminated with President Roosevelt's order of a four day Banking Holiday that closed all banks. Patrick's bank never reopened. He lost his job and home and split the family between In-Laws to have food and shelter. A decade or more of temporary jobs and residences, the family settled into Highland Park and Patrick became a recognized expert in the property casualty industry investigating losses at factories, mills, and warehouses.

Frank attended John Marshal High School, Richmond, VA. He rose to the rank of First Captain in the Fall of 1946, graduating from John Marshall in 1947. Frank completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1952. He was a member of the VPI Corps of Cadets, receiving a Regular Army Commission as a Second Lieutenant.

Soon after graduation Frank deployed to Korea and was offered Command of an Engineer Combat Company, relieving a classmate who had deployed several months prior. He received multiple medals and awards for his distinguished service in Korea, including the Bronze Star for Valor. Frank shared many colorful stories of his War experiences, a favorite was one of the bartering talents of the Supply Sergeant. Frank would say, "that Sergeant could find anything, repair parts, parkas, and even malted beverages for our unofficial Enlisted Club, no one else could, Sarge did."

Frank had an exemplary career in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Colonel with a combined 30 years of active and reserve service. In the later stages of his career, he shared with his sons his annual experiences at the Pentagon in the Chief's Office, Corps of Engineers. He was struck by the plodding bureaucratic pace of the Chiefs office, returning each year to work on the same plan or program while his military peers marveled at the advances that city managers could make. In 1956, following his active military service, Frank entered municipal public service in La Grange Park, IL, as an Administrative Assistant, passing up an opportunity to be a General's Aide at Fort Belvoir, Va.

Frank was soon on the fast track to being a city manager, he became a Public Works Superintendent in Saint Charles, and returned to La Grange Park as Village Manager two and half years later. He met his future wife, Marilyn through a community partner at Commonwealth Edison Gas, the District Manager Edward Roth, which was Marilyn's dad. Soon thereafter Frank and Marilyn became Newlyweds starting a family in Chicago Suburbs not far from Brookfield Zoo and The Museum of Natural History which were places the four kids would marvel at during their youth.

Frank's local government career spanned more than 36 years serving as manager in these communities, La Grange Park, IL; Danville, VA; Pensacola, FL; Henrico County, VA; Sanford, FL, and Lynn Haven, FL. Frank was an old school manager, using an engineering approach to biulding a community and a military ethos for directing the business that made a multitude of contributions in those communities. He developed and implemented strategic plans involving infrastructure, housing, tourism, and economic development.

Frank's return to Danville for a second marriage brought him closer in proximity to his children. Small gatherings would become consumed by conversations, do you remember Joe, Hillary, Jim, Jin-Jin, Billy, Jerry, or the days of sleigh rides and hot coco in Ballou Park, or fishing at Hyco Lake. In retirement, Frank would become active in local politics of Danville, VA pressing conservative principles and active in initiatives that would recognize Veterans. He was an active supporter in the creation of the Danville - Pittsylvania County Veterans Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial gift to: Wounded Warrior Project or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mundenfuneralhome.net/obituary/ColonelFrank-FaisonUSArmyRetired.