Frank Maddock

Frank William Maddock was born on April 27, 1936 in Boonville, Indiana to Eloise Derr Maddock and Frank Maddock. He passed away peacefully at home on October 20th, 2021 following a six week hospitalization for several medical issues. He was 85 years old. Frank was raised in Phoenix, Arizona and always wanted to be a pilot. He worked odd jobs as a teenager in order to pay for flying lessons. Amazingly he acquired his pilot's license at the age of 16. After graduating High School he attended Eastern Arizona College graduating with an Associate Degree. Frank also attended Arizona State University part time while continuing to obtain additional aviation licenses and ratings. Frank joined the Air Force and was selected to attend the Air Force Cadet Program. After 13 months of training, the Cadet program was virtually disbanded by the Air Force so Frank chose to return to civilian life. Frank then obtained a co-pilot position with Sky Harbor Airways, an air ambulance charter service in Phoenix. After building up time in the cockpit Frank applied to Braniff International Airways for a pilot position and was hired. He spent the next 16 years flying various kinds of aircraft for Braniff both as a First Officer and Captain. After Braniff filed for bankrutcy Frank worked a short time for Dalfort Aviation, Dallas Security Force at Dallas Love Field, Braniff II and finally for American Airlines as a Ground School Instructor, and Flight Simulator Pilot Instructor. He retired in 2003. Frank married the love of his life, Suzanne Birk in 1967. They met on Frank's very first flight as a Braniff Co-pilot; she was a Braniff Hostess. They have one son, Shawn. Frank was a gentle, kind, very thoughtful man with a dry sense of humor. He and Suzanne loved to travel! They were true globe-trotters, which included taking 18 cruises, traveling all over the country on their motorcycles, and raising seven German Shepherds they adored over several decades. He and Suzanne loved cars of all types and vintages. They both have been active members of the "Special Interest Ford's" club and the "North Texas Mustang Club" for many years. He was a very generous person who supported various charities, especially those that were involved in animal welfare. He was a member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Arlington, Texas. Frank is survived by his wife of 54 years, Suzanne Maddock, their son Shawn Maddock, a sister, Margay McConnell, a brother-in-law, Bill McConnell, a sister-in law, Diane Birk, and her partner, Yvonne Parrott, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 2, at 10:00 AM and the Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 am at Wade Funeral Home in Arlington, Texas. Burial will be at the Dallas National Cemetery, November 10th at 1:00pm Donations in lieu of flowers are requested. Suggestions for donations are: Frank's Alma Mater, Eastern Arizona College at EAC.alumni.org or any animal welfare organization. Wade Family Funeral Home 817-274-9233