James Franklin Seibert
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute
James Franklin “Frank” Seibert, 80, of Columbia, passed away on the morning of Sunday, January 16, 2022 due to complications of CMML-2 Leukemia.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering celebrating his life on Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm at View 18 at Eagle Knoll, 5757 East Eagle Knoll Drive, Hartsburg, Missouri.
Frank was born at home, in Lansing, Illinois, the middle of three sons to Roland “Dick” and Hazel Seibert. After splitting his education during his formative years in Lansing, Illinois and Dyer, Indiana, he attended Memorial Junior High, and Thornton Fractional South in Lansing, Illinois. He left for Norman, Oklahoma where he attended OU and spent his freshman year as a walk-on under Bud Wilkinson in 1959. After six years, a bit of soul searching and short hiatus, he received his Bachelors degree in 1965. In November of 1966, he joined the Air Force. In January of 1967, he was sent to training at Mather, Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. Through mutual friends, he met the love of his life, Pamela Sue Seibert. They were married on March 23, 1968 at Mather Air Force Base.
His active duty military career moved the couple to Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico, and then again stateside to Loring Air Force Base in northern Maine. Frank served two tours of duty during the Vietnam war in 1970 and 1972 in the B-52. After active duty, Frank was in the C-130, but mentioned he’d much rather be in an aircraft that would “shoot back”.
He started his civilian job with University of Missouri Extension and found an Air National Guard Unit in Springfield, Illinois with F-4 Phantoms. Frank worked as the Director of the Small Business Development Center for over 30 years, and continued to fly the F-4 out of the 110 Tactical Fighter Squadron in St. Louis, Missouri. He stopped actively flying in 1992 a few months shy of turning 51. He continued working in the command post until his retirement from the military in 1994 with 28 years of service.
Frank was a kind and caring person and genuinely loved talking to people. He was always a positive force and a great listener. He repeatedly would tell us, “Nobody is invisible.” He often gave far more than he received, and we know that was his preference.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela, and his two daughters: Tara Frearson and Courtney (Chris) Abromovich, one cherished grandson, Charlie, many wonderful nieces and nephews, his older brother, Bill, of Weatherford, Oklahoma, and younger brother Richard (Ann) of Lebanon, Missouri.
Visits: 4
Such a super nice, fun living guy. So happy to have shared his friendship for so many years.
Frank and I team taught classes in entrepreneurship cross-listed in the College of Business and the College of Engineering between 2010 and 2015. He was one of the best people I worked with at MU. He was funny, conscientious, and cared deeply about the students. He was a good one and I’ll miss him.
Your dad was one of a kind. I don’t even know the dads of most of my friends, but I was friends with Frank on Facebook, and from the first day I met him at West when he was bringing you lunch, he made me feel like any friend of yours was a friend of his. His devotion to you and your family was unparalleled. How lucky you were to have him as your dad. He will be greatly missed by so many.
Courtney and Tara – My heart goes out to you both and your whole family. Your dad was a special man and I know he was a huge positive influence in both of your lives. Sending prayers, hugs. May you find peace in a lifetime of memories! Love, Becky
Hey family..my heart breaks for your loss. Frank was one of a kind! He loved you all so much. Sending big hugs and prayers.
Dear Pam, Tara, Courtney (my Godchild), Chris, and Charlie,
Frank was a wonderful, funny, and dear friend. He was one of those people you term “one of a kind.” His humor would keep anyone in stitches. I will never forget the day Pam told me Frank and Charlie were out “antiquing.” I never would have figured that a child so young would be so interested in going to antique shops, but Charlie surely was and Frank went right along with him. That child will have such wonderful memories of his Granddad. A very lucky young man. Frank had such a wonderful and special bond with his two girls. He adored them and they adored him. They, too, will have wonderful memories of their Dad. Pam, I know how much you and Frank depended on each other. I am so sorry you had such a short time, between the time Frank was diagnosed, and the time he passed away. You didn’t really have time to prepare for what was to come, but hopefully, all of you have begun to heal from such a fast and tragic death. Frank had so many friends who loved him and enjoyed being around him. He will never be forgotten. Love and sympathy to all of you. I love you all and feel your pain.
I miss my friend. I miss his occasional email message, his smiling face posted on Facebook proudly showing off his grandchild. But most especially I miss the conversations we had over our occasional lunches. His parting words always were “Let’s stay in touch.” So stay in touch I will Frank, by recalling the memories of the many shared work challenges we overcame, and victories we achieved for hundreds of small business owners and their families. So through these memories I will stay in touch. My God Bless the family and the many friends left behind.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Frank was such a treasure. One of the kindest men on earth who never knew a stranger. May your memories fill your heart with peace and the knowledge that he impacted so many give you comfort
Frank was beyond a special guy! Hewas an amazing dad , husband, grandpa and friend to so many! Frank served his country, and was proud and honored to do it! He was the role model for many. Frank was kind, had a great sense of humor and I am sooo happy that I had the special pleasure of knowing him. RIP Frank, you will be missed!
My sincere condolences. Frank was such an amazing person. He had a huge heart for others and had the best sense of humor. I am blessed to have known him.
I did not know Frank very well however my mother loved him dearly and she spoke so highly of him every time he came to visit her Frank was truly a blessing to his family and to the many people he touched. Our deepest sympathy to each member of his family and friends. Blessings
I am honored to met Frank when he brought Charlie to his tennis lessons. His humor and stories brought joy and happiness . His genuine care and love to Charlie is priceless . He was so happy to watch Charlie playing tennis. He will be greatly missed.
I always enjoyed talking to Frank and paying visits after I joined the military myself. He had so many great stories and knew my mom and dad better than I did. He was a kind, wonderful man and I will miss him. Heartfelt prayers to Pam, Tara, and Courtney and everyone who loved this wonderful human being.
Frank and I became friends in the Springfield Air Gaurd. We road back and forth to the Guard together for 4 years and roomed together on deployments – and drank a few together. I learned a lot about how to get along with folks from observing Frank – or “Fronk” as we called him. He and Pam introduced me to their widowed neighbor Gena and her children Joel and Jill and her Mother Alice. I had Gena as my girl friend and wife for almost 40 years. Frank will be fine for eternity.
I miss my brother. When I traveled to Columbia, I would spend time with him. He was a mentor in life. Will see you soon for the great reunion!