Dick Frantz, 73, of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, (formerly of Grain Valley, Missouri) passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at the V.A. Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, after a short illness.
Dick was born March 11, 1939, in Independence, Missouri, the son of Harold and Dorothy (Ayres) Frantz. After graduation from Odessa High School, Dick entered the U.S. Navy. He was a proud member of the VQ-1 group that flew Air Reconnaissance during the Vietnam War. After leaving the Navy, Dick was employed by KC Bobcat and White Industries. While working at Bobcat he attained the recognition of being #1 in sales worldwide. Dick enjoyed his Lake of the Ozarks home entertaining family and friends. He loved watching sports, NASCAR and participating in yearly reunions across the country with his shipmates in the VQ-1 Association.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 25 years, Vanda Schultze Frantz.
Leaving behind to cherish his memory and his wonderful zest for life are his children: Rick Frantz (Michelle), Deborah Thompson, Vickie Frantz Goade; stepdaughter Valerie Gallup (Darren); grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also leaves a brother, Roger Frantz (Karen) and significant other of many years, Judy McIntosh.
Visitation will be held 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 22, 2012 at Royer Funeral Home, 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, MO. Graveside services will follow at 11:30 a.m. in Grain Valley Cemetery, 4715 S. Seymour Road, Grain Valley. Contributions may be made to the VQ1 Association, c/o Sandy McClellan, 773 Woodcock Road, Henrico, NC 27842 in Dick’s honor.
“We wish him fair winds and following seas as he makes his final flight West.”
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441