Frank Birdwell was born on July 13, 1932 to Samuel and Ruby Pickett (Wofford) Birdwell in Hammon, Ok, and left this earth surrounded by loved ones on May 31, 2019 at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Clinton, Oklahoma at the age of 86 years, 10 months, and 18 days.

Frank was raised in Butler, Oklahoma, and was the fourth of six children born to his parents. As a child, he attended Pie Flat School and Butler Schools. After graduating from Butler High School in 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. Upon returning from the Navy, he married Reta Joyce Hargues, and they made their home in Weatherford. Frank graduated from Southwestern State College, more commonly recognized as Southwestern Oklahoma State University, in 1959, with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He and Joyce moved to Alaska, where both taught school for year before moving to Hemmet, California. In July of 1961, Frank began his most monumental act of service yet with the birth of their first daughter, Reta Renee', followed by the entrance of Lisa Beth in August of 1964. Although in his adult life, Frank took on many roles, none were as important to him as that of a husband to his beloved, Joyce, and "Daddy" to his precious daughters, Renee' and Lisa.

Frank began a long career with the Oklahoma State Employment Service in 1965, and in 1973, the family made Weatherford their permanent home. Frank retired from the Employment Service in 1992, having spent his last years as a State Auditor for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. A true family man, he never missed an opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren, and while not a man of many words, he could always surprise you with one of his genuine witticisms. Frank was a jack of all trades, and enjoyed anything that involved being outside, spending most of his retirement years camping at the lake with family and friends, keeping busy by delivering the Auto Trader, driving Mr. Dennis Williams, supporting his great-grandkids in all of their many activities, and giving hours of "horsey rides" around the living room. He truly lived his life as the best example of a husband and father that many, family or not, had ever experienced. He welcomed all with open and loving arms always ensuring that those in his presence, if only for that moment, had the opportunity to experience acceptance without condition.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joyce, his daughter Renee' and husband, Roger Walker of Tulsa, and his daughter Lisa and husband Glenn Zink of Chickasha; Two brothers, Paul Birdwell and wife Shirley of Burns Flat, Vernon Birdwell and wife Bobbie of Yukon; Grandchildren, Amy and Ryan Beck, Dakota and Brittany Crase, Andrew and Erika Walker, and Nathan Zink. Also missing him are his loving great-grandchildren Derek, Cayden, Cooper, Addison, Alex, Justin, Brianna, and Nahliya, his faithful canine companion, Echo, and a host of extended family and friends. Awaiting him in Heaven are his parents, Ruby and Sam Birdwell, one brother, T.M. Birdwell, two sisters, Jo Bowen and Freelin Doak, and one great-grandson, Cameron.

Memorials may be made in memory of Frank E. Birdwell to the Dementia Society of America or Weatherford First Baptist Church.