Frank Adams Alumbaugh, II, 76, of Higginsville died the morning of Saturday, November 23, 2019.
Frank was born September 2, 1943 in Kansas City, Missouri to Frank Adams and Gayle (Swaythe) Alumbaugh. He grew up on a Dairy farm in Oak Grove and graduated from Oak Grove high school. He studied history for two years at SMSU before returning to Kansas City to work laying carpet.
In 1967, Frank met the love of his life, Pearle Wood, at a New Year’s Eve Party. They were married the following June at Higginsville’s First Baptist Church. That same day, Frank became the father to three young children, and a fourth followed soon after.
He was an awarded salesman at Harker's Meats before retiring with distinction after 20 years. Never one to slow down, Frank continued working in his “retirement” as a driver for Higginsville’s John Knox Village East community.
In his ongoing passion for community involvement, Frank served as a member of Missouri National Guard service, Cub Scout Den Master, Higginsville Little League coach, active member and officer for the Higginsville Jaycees, and elder at Salem United Church of Christ. This past October, Frank proudly received his seven-year coin from AA and celebrated his many life-saving friendships within this community.
What meant more to him than any job title or position he held were the connections and friendships he made along the way. To use his own words, “It’s all about the people.”
Frank was a builder—building a magnificent family who cherished every moment they shared with him. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and so proud of his family. He was a teacher—teaching everyone around him about life, about the simple joys of a favorite day of the week, and how to enjoy the journey.
He was loved, and loved laughing at a good story or joke, making others laugh and being ornery just to get a smile from those around him. What made Frank happiest was when the people around him were happy.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Pearle; his children and their spouses, Dr. Kim Alumbaugh and husband Dr. Daniel Varga of Louisville, Kevin Alumbaugh and wife Michelle of Higginsville, Kerrick Alumbaugh and wife Curly of Higginsville, and Kealy Drago and husband Frank of Louisville), his 14 grandchildren and their spouses (Dr. Ashley Alumbaugh and husband Jacob Cottrill, Katie Boyd and husband Beau, Austin Alumbaugh and wife Christi, Kelsey Bredehoeft and husband Justin, Karley Alumbaugh, Sam Varga, Noelle Varga, Tess Varga, Caulin Drago and Chloe Drago, and his 5 great-grandchildren Keaston Cooper, Luke and Will Cottrill, Owen Alumbaugh, and Sawyer Boyd.
Visitation will be held at Salem United Church of Christ on Friday, November 29th, 6-8pm. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, November 30th at 10:30am.
Frank celebrated every day by attributing to it a special color and significance. Attendees are invited to join the family in carrying on Frank’s tradition by wearing or adding pink to their attire for Friday’s celebration and green, his favorite color, for Saturday’s.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Lafayette County Cancer Coalition, the Higginsville AA, or the Salem United Church of Christ.
Condolences may be emailed to the family at mailto:kaiser-wiegers@ctcis.net
Kaiser-Wiegers Funeral Home
