Clyde William Frank

It is with great sadness that we announce the recent death of Clyde William Frank on June 26, 2024, at the age of 83. He died peacefully at his home in Alexandria, Virginia, with his loving wife Sue and daughter Vanessa by his side following a courageous nine-month battle with laryngeal cancer.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1940, Clyde grew up in Fort Madison, Iowa. His career in academics, government service, and private consulting was fueled by a commitment to excellence and a desire to provide opportunity for others who also had a dream and determination. After receiving a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry in 1966, he spent 16 years as a professor in the Chemistry Department at the University of Iowa where he mentored and trained 22 Ph.D. students, as well as numerous undergraduates.
In 1982 Clyde moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, to establish a Chemical Sciences organization at EG&G Idaho, the prime contractor for the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory operated by the U.S. Department of Energy [DOE]. Over six years he grew the company's Chemical Sciences organization to more than 125 people.
In 1991 Clyde was named the first Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Science and Technology in the U.S. Department of Energy's new Office of Environmental Management [DOE-EM] where he oversaw the development of new technologies to solve environmental problems for the required cleanup of DOE's defense facilities across the country.
In recognition of his achievements and contributions in the field of environmental protection, Clyde was chosen by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1999 to be the first recipient of the prestigious Dixy Lee Ray Award.
After his retirement Clyde was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. A gardener at heart, he was happiest working in his yard, sharing plants with neighbors.
Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Frederick and Emma Eberhart Frank, his brother, Dr. Louis Albert Frank, and a son, William Bradley Frank. In 1980 he married the love of his life, Susan (Sue) Behrends Frank. In addition to his wife, survivors include two of his three children from his first marriage, Vanessa Lynn Frank and Steven Alan Frank, his sister, Emilou Woods, four grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, as well as nieces, nephews and grand nephews.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
Online messages can be left at https://funeralchoices.com/obits/clyde-william-frank/. Donations can be made to The Parkinson's Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA) at https://parkinsonfoundation.org.