Obituary: Major Franklin A. Teat

Major Franklin A. Teat

Major Franklin A. Teat

Major Franklin A. Teat of Prescott Valley, Ariz., passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at the Veterans Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., after a short illness. He was born March 25, 1925, in Athens, Ga., to Florence (Sammon) Teat and Alvin Teat.

Frank attended one semester at Clemson College before entering the U.S. Army in June 1943 at the age of 18. Following his discharge in 1946, he attended Georgia Tech until February 1949. In September 1949, Frank entered the U.S. Air Force as an Aviation Cadet. He graduated cadet school with his wings and a commission as a 2nd Lt. and served in the U.S.A.F. until Dec. 31, 1966, when he retired as a Major.

During his military time, he was a bomber co-pilot, a fighter pilot, a flight instructor and a test pilot. He served his country proudly while in the Army during WWII and the Korean conflict while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1962 and became a registered Professional Engineer. While in the service, he was stationed in France, the Panama Canal, the Philippines, Manila, Korea, Arizona, Alabama, Ohio, Oklahoma, England, Libya and New Mexico.

After military retirement, Frank worked for Vought Aeronautics in Texas, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Florida and Boeing Aircraft in Kansas. Following civilian retirement in 1984, Frank and Joyce moved to Louisiana, Texas, and to Prescott Valley, Ariz., in 1998.

Frank is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce Teat of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; daughters Pam Tinsley of Gilbert, Ariz., Debbie Craton of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; son Frank Teat Jr. and his wife Carol Beth of Henderson, Texas; grandchildren Shawna, Krissy and Beau Tinsley of Phoenix, Ariz., Brandy and Kelly Craton of Prescott Valley, Sara Burt and husband Jared of Lovelady, Texas, and Jonathan Teat of Dallas, Texas; and great-grandchildren Parker, Cassie, Brandon, Brianna, Rayna, Hannah, Kobe, Caden, Abigail and Elizabeth.

A graveside memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at the Prescott National Cemetery in Prescott, Ariz. The Color Guard from Luke Air Force Base will be present for the presentation of the colors to the family. Minister presiding will be his son, Rev. Frank Teat Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Disabled American Veterans, 730 N. 6th St., Prescott, AZ 86301 in memory of Frank Teat.

Services were entrusted to Hampton Funeral Home.

Information provided by survivors.


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