Franklin Knowles Hammerschmidt

Franklin Knowles Hammerschmidt, 93, passed away in Arlington on Sunday, October 21, 2018. Frank was born on Friday, May 1, 1925, on a warm spring day, as his father was planting snap dragons at the family home in Lombard, Illinois, to Ernst William and Myrtle (Knowles) Hammerschmidt. Frank was raised with one sister, Martha Belle Hammerschmidt Griffin in Lombard. He attended Lincoln School in Lombard, Illinois and Glenbard High School, now known as Glenbard West. Upon graduation in 1943, Frank enlisted in the Army Air Corps, graduated from Navigator School and flew 23 combat missions out of Italy. He was released from the service in 1946 and entered Northeastern University and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. Frank met and married Martha McCain in 1948 and together they raised five children, Peter, Janet, Mark, David and Tom. He then volunteered for the active reserve and retired from that service in December, 1949 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. In January of 1949, Frank began his career in his father's lumber business, working as the treasurer. Upon his father's retirement, he continued as Treasurer and served as President of the company. He was also the treasurer of his church, First Church of Lombard, UCC for forty years. He was a member of the Lombard Chamber of Commerce and served for one year as President. He was a member of the Lombard Lions Club, served as treasurer for twenty years and was given a lifetime membership. Frank married Jacqueline Lovett in 1986. He sold the family business in 1990 and he and Jacqueline moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. They became active members in Boston Avenue United Methodist Church and the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class. They served on the board of the School of Continuing Education. Frank volunteered in the finance and education offices and did volunteer work for Meals on Wheels as a driver and coordinator of drivers. Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Ernst and Myrtle Hammerschmidt, his sister, Martha Belle Hammerschmidt Griffin, his first wife, and mother of his children, Martha McCain Hammerschmidt, wife, Jacqueline Lovett and grandson, Nicholas Hammerschmidt. He is survived by his children, Peter, wife, Jodi and grandchildren, Eric and Christine; Janet, husband, Dana and grandchildren, Derik, Sabrina and Kirsten; Mark, David, wife Suzanne; and Tom, wife Leslie and grandchild, Amber. He is also survived by his step-daughter, Becky, husband, Dave Turney and step-grandchildren, Dan Turney, wife Kristen and great-grandchildren, Jake and Anna ; and step grandson, Doctor David Turney. Wade Family Funeral Home 817-274-9233