1933
2013
Funeral Services, with Masonic Rites, will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Collier-Butler Chapel for Benjamin Franklin (Frank) Estes, 80, who went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. Rev. Lauil Thompson will officiate. Burial will be at Rainbow Memorial Gardens, with full military honors by the United States Army. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing.
Mr. Estes was in the Naval reserves when he was called to active duty during the Korean War, where he served for 2 years. He went on to serve in the Navy from 1955-1959. He was in the Army National Guard from 1959-1961. In February 1961 he volunteered for extended active duty in the Army. He reenlisted in the regular Army in March 1961. He served in Vietnam from March 1961 to March 1969 and went on to retire on March 1, 1977.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Army Commendation Medal second award, the Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with clasp and five stars, Korean Service Medal, National Defense UN Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Career Counselor Badge.
He was employed at Anniston Army Depot for 15 years. He was a member of the Cedar Bend masonic Lodge 583, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 637, and VFW Post 8600.
Mr. Estes was preceded in death by his precious wife of 53 years, Almeda Estes, who passed away 19 days earlier; son, Benjamin Franklin "Frankie" Estes; parents, Joseph and Della Estes; brothers, John Wesley "J.W." Estes, and Curtis Estes; and sisters: Myrtle Estes, Louise Jones, Gussie Hightower, and Juanette Gilligan.
He survived by his brother Charlie Estes; daughters: Yvonne (Paul) Thomas, Linda Denise Bailey Davis, and Bella (Jeff) Fix; 5 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be members of the United States Army.
Honorary pallbearers will be: all members of the Cedar Bend Masonic Lodge, all members of VVA Chapter 637, DAV, and special friends: Lloyd Matthews, Wayne Kelley, James Barnett, Ricky Scales, and Rick Vaughan.
Visitation will be Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
April 18, 2013
Brian Gilligan
Uncle Frank will be deeply missed!He was my favorite uncle that was well traveled & always had great stories to tell! His kindness & patience I will always remember!
April 13, 2013
Kay Rhodes
Yvonne and Denise and other family members,
You are in my thoughts as you go through the loss of both your mother and father in such a short time. May they rest in peace and you cherish the memories.
Kay
Carol said she is praying for you and her heart goes out to you.
April 13, 2013
Brenda & Gary Saffles
It's times like this you feel so far away. Uncle Frank was always my favorite uncle, i remembered when you all lived in cleveland, ohio and uncle frank would buy tickets to the akron civic theatre about every 3 weeks and we would all go to see the country stars that where performing that week. Uncle Frank was always there for all of us he was very caring and had a great sense of humor, he will be dearly missed by all of us. Love and prayers to all Brenda & Gary and his Lil buddy Kosmo
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Funeral services provided by:
Collier-Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Services824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901
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