Franklin Armstrong

Franklin John Armstrong was a strong family man, committed Christian and dutiful citizen. He valued others and lived sacrificially, whether serving his country or his community. His life was characterized by faithfulness to the ones he loved and the many people he was privileged to meet along the way. Franklin John was born to Frank and Marie Armstrong in Grand Rapids, Michigan on October 31, 1914. It was months after Woodrow Wilson was elected president with the promise to keep the United States out of the First World War, the war to end all wars. Yet, Franklin came of age during the Great Depression and met the challenge of the Second World War. He was shaped by the values of duty and sacrifice that put him in the company of others who have been called The Greatest Generation. Frank and his older brother Harry and younger sister Irene grew up on the north side of Muskegon, Michigan in The Dalton Township Area. He lived a typical childhood filled with the joy of family, friends and fun. Yet, at the same time that he enjoyed such recreation as fishing, he also took on responsibility at an early age. He finished his education at Baker School by completing 8th grade and then went to work at various locations to contribute to the familys wellbeing during the years of the depression. A true bright spot during this time was Franks introduction to a lovely young woman named Anna Kops. As they dated and fell in love, they were soon challenged by the outbreak of WWII. Frank joined the U.S. Army and trained in California before being shipped out to the Pacific theater. He was a T4 Sergeant in the Amphibian Engineer Brigade, whose responsibility it was to carry soldiers to the beach in landing craft. He was wounded in action during fierce fighting on Admiralty Island. His bravery earned him a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and the deep appreciation of a grateful nation. During his deployment, Frank and Anna had written letters faithfully, and when he returned home, the two of them were joined in marriage on October 27, 1944. Their son Wayne was born in 1952, and the family settled into life on Muskegons north side. They bought land and built a house on Becker Road, where Frank and Anna would remain for the rest of his life. Further family stability was created by Franks religious faith and work ethic. Throughout a long career in manufacturing, he was employed as a machinist by the S.D. Warren Paper Mill for 32 years before retiring in 1978. He and his family were faithful members of Fifth Reformed Church, and at the time of his death, Franklin was the longest living member of the congregation. For recreation, Frank enjoyed fishing and camping with his wife and son. He loved to garden and always kept his yard in great shape. For all his attention to home life, Frank also used his leisure time to honor others. He was a proud member of the Wood-Tazelaar post of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter II, and he volunteered with International Aid for several years. Franklin lived his faith and convictions throughout his long life of 96 years. Mr. Franklin J. Armstrong passed away Wednesday, November 3, 2010. Surviving is his wife of 66 years, Anna; son, Wayne Armstrong of Twin Lake; sister, Irene Harkey of Flint; sister-in-law, Emily Zahl; special niece Marlys (Dan) Witham along with many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Harry Armstrong. A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010, 11:00 AM at Fifth Reformed Church with Pastor Paul Burmeister officiating. Friends and relatives may visit the family on Friday from 4:00-6:00 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon and 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Fifth Reformed Church or the Wood-Tazelaar Post of the Disabled American Veterans.