Frank Shofler, 78, passed away on Monday the 15th of May, 2023, in Wichita, Kansas.
Husband, father, pilot, veteran, traveler, entrepreneur, volunteer, friend. He was born on the 19th of November 1944 to Albert Otis Shofler and Pearl (Gibbens) Shofler, the oldest of 6 siblings, and spent most of his life living in Wichita.His creativity and entrepreneurial spirit proved that a jack of all trades truly is better than a master of one. Whether he was running a tool shop, a flooring business, remediation, designing and building outdoor furniture, or providing an affordable home for area residents, Frank made time to assist his community and local police department. He has been given accreditations and awards for helping the community and was featured in the Wichita Eagle.
His love for his family was evident in the way his eyes would light up when he was with his children, the way he would brag about their accomplishments, and by communicating the simple but important words, “I love you”. He cherished his role as a family man.
A Navy veteran, Frank served on board a carrier vessel, the U.S.S. Hornet, from 1964-1966, and rose to the rank of Seaman Apprentice. He was accredited 6 years of service in the USNR, proudly receiving two medals: The National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
Traveling was in his veins. He liked to get out into nature, hike, boat, fish, explore old goldmines, visit the national parks in his RV, take his Suzuki off-roading, and visit what is off of the beaten path. His passion, however, was flying. Frank was an accomplished pilot, honorarily included in an elite group that few private pilots have achieved. Frank would participate in missing man flyovers to honor those that had fallen. He flew his family members and buddies over the state border for lunch and back home, pointing out the landmarks below and sharing his knowledge of the plane and instruments. Dead Cow International Airport was always a fun conversation starter. Frank had no problem making friends everywhere he went.
These are mere drops in an ocean about Frank’s life before us and with us. He made many memories, and we are grateful for the ones we had the opportunity to share in creating.
As we bid him farewell, we honor the impact he had on the lives of his loved ones. His love as a father, his passion as a pilot, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his appreciation for the great outdoors will forever be etched in our memories. May his legacy continue to inspire us all to embrace life's joys, follow our dreams, and cherish the bonds that bring us together.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Otis Shofler and Pearl (Gibbens) Shofler; His sister, Freda Kay, and his brothers, Kenny, Fred, Mike, and Joe.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon (Millikan) Shofler; His children, Frank Shofler II of Wichita, Calvin Shofler of Valley Center, and Amanda Schneider of Sanford, Fl; His brother, Bob Shofler of Rocky Ford, Colorado.
Services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Kechi Township Cemetery, 6523 N. Hillside Ave., Wichita, Kansas.
Baker Funeral Home Valley Center has charge. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.