Frank Shidler

A hero died yesterday. Frank Joseph Shidler died of natural causes in his home in Oklahoma City, on Monday. He was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death. And while you may not have known Frank, you know his story. His life was the epitome of the American dream and his legacy infuses hope to any who have the courage to step in his footsteps. Frank was born March 21, 1918 in Detroit, Michigan to Czech immigrants, Marie and John Shidler. He attended Northwestern High School where he met his life long sweetheart, Shirley. Frank helped his basketball team win the State championship. His high school basketball success earned him a college scholarship to Michigan State where he studied criminal justice. Frank married the girl of his dreams, Shirley on May, 24, 1941. Shortly there after WW II broke out and Frank joined the army as a ROTC Second Lieutenant. He was sent to Europe and became a Captain of the 739th Field Artillery Battalion of General Patton's Third Army. During that time Frank distinguished himself in battle earning many medals of Honor including the decorated Silver Star. When the war ended Frank returned safely and made his home in Oklahoma to reunite with his wife and met his first child, a son . With $700 to his name he went on to build SMICO, a company that manufactured flour-milling equipment. The company became successful. Frank and Shirley had two more children, both girls. The family grew up in the Catholic faith and love. Frank's life was an adventure. He loved to travel with his family. In the 1980s he purchased a Castle in Scotland, which provided many memories for his family and grandchildren. He later built a house at Grand Lake, Oklahoma where his family would convene for many holidays and shared more happy memories. In 2004, a book was published about his life and experiences in World War II called, "Archangels in Battle." His message in that book concluded that despite the terrors that happen in life, people are inherently good. Frank's generosity towards his family had no bounds. His faith in the Catholic Church was unwavering. In his later years he often used to say in reflection on his life, "I don't know why God was so good to me? I am blessed!" His life was life well lived and his children and grandchildren are living testimonials to the greatness of this man's life. You may not have known Frank but I wish you did. He was a man worth knowing, a man worth loving. He was this family's hero and words cannot convey the magnitude of how much he will be missed. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Ann Shidler, three children, Frank J. (Cap) Jr., Donna Shidler Krutka and husband Larry, Jane Ann Shidler Crutchfield and husband Jim, eleven grandchildren, Christi Shidler Whitlock and husband Tom, Frank Jay Shidler III and wife Crystal, Brandon Conard, Natalie Brown, Lauren Brown, Holly Krutka and Mark Watkins , April Krutka Parks and husband Ryan, Daniel Krutka, Andrea Crutchfield Corman and husband Ric, Tiffany Crutchfield Baker and husband Matt, Amy Crutchfield Junger and husband Phillip and five great grandchildren Connor Whitlock, Ashleigh Whitlock, Piper DuVall, Zoe DuVall, and Emily Corman. Frank was 92-years-old and died on his 69th wedding anniversary, May 24th.