1931
2017
"I know that I shall meet my fate,
Somewhere among the clouds above;
Nor law, nor duty bade me fight,
Nor public men, nor cheering crowds,
A lonely impulse of delight
Drove to this tumult in the clouds."
W.B. Yeats
Frank Steven "Red" Minas, 85, of Sun City, AZ died Sunday, December 24, 2017. Frank was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Dee. He is survived by his five children: Susan Offermann (Bob), Brian Minas, Kelly Minas (Lily), Laura Minas, and Linda Dunbar (Glynn); three grandchildren, Margaret Torres (Chase), Stephen Baldovin and Angela Dunbar and two great-grand children Abbie and Beau Torres.
Frank was born on December 30, 1931 in Chicago, IL. He always dreamed of a military career and at the age of 16 he forged his birth certificate and joined the Illinois Air National Guard as a private and obtained a pilot's license. After graduating high school in 1950, he enlisted in the USAF, serving honorably in peacetime, and answering the call to active duty during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, until he retired in 1971. Frank's training was in aerial photography and he participated in both aerial reconnaissance missions as well as piloting individual aircraft during his military career. He earned a silver star and 2 purple hearts along with numerous other medals, honors, and commendations . His military service took him all over the world and inspired his family with a love of travel. The story of his military service has been published in the book, Since You Asked, Purple Heart edition, (2011) by the Veteran's Heritage Project.
Even after retirement from the Air Force, Frank's love of aviation continued into his civilian life. He never failed to give the names of the aircraft he spotted by their look, sound and contrails.
After his military career he lived in Exeter, NH with his family and worked for Raytheon until his retirement in 1994 when he moved to Arizona with his wife, Dee.
Frank had various interests and hobbies including sailing, travel and Ham Radios. In NH he spent many weekends on his boat, the "Redee" with his wife and was a member of the Portsmouth Yacht Club. Frank was also an avid Ham Radio enthusiast and enjoyed communicating with people from all over the world. In his younger years he participated regularly in Ham gatherings, campouts and contests with a goal to contact the most people from around the world.
Frank's service to the community continued in Arizona where he enjoyed working the polls on election days and patrolling his neighborhood as a member of the Block Watch in Maryvale. He later moved to Sun City with Dee.
Frank's remains will be interred along with those of his wife, Dee, at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Sunland Memorial Park & Mortuary.
6 Entries
January 27, 2018
Andrea and John Richards
What a wonderful tribute. To each of the remaining Minas family members, we are so sorry for your loss.
January 10, 2018
Mary Hodgkins
My sympathy to all - I remember him as Uncle Red, good grillmaster at family cook-outs !!
January 10, 2018
Hi Linda, So sorry to hear about your Dad. Warm thoughts from us - Pat Hughes and Roy Peterson
January 9, 2018
Joanne Laucher
I did not know you but I know and love your daughter Susan. Many blessing to you family at your passing,
January 9, 2018
Julie&Neil Mortlock
We will miss him. Such a beautiful and fitting tribute to Frankie! Such a full life with military honors, a legacy of raising a family of 5 children and his love of your mom Dee, who we also miss. xxoo Minas and Dunbar families.
January 9, 2018
Lita Harrison
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lita Harrison
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