Frank Howard Beebe

Frank Howard Beebe, 91, of Frederica, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 7, 2023.

Frank was born on June 6, 1931, in Bridgeville, DE to the late Howard and Alice (McCoy) Beebe.

Frank worked along with his father at J. Howard Beebe and Son Plumbing and Heating. Later in life, Frank worked as the State Plumbing Inspector for the Delaware State Health Department. He proudly served with the Frederica Volunteered Fire Company for over 70 years. He was also a proud US Army and National Guard veteran from the time of the Korean Conflict where he was stationed in France. He was a charter member of the Murderkill Lions Club, and a past Master of the Masonic Temple Lodge #9 A.F. & A.M. of Milford, Delaware. He was also a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He graduated in 1949 from Ceasar Rodney High School.

Frank was a collector of antique irons, gathering and restoring over 1,300 pieces. He was known in the antique community as “Ironman”. He also helped restore several antique fire trucks and equipment at Frederica Fire Company and other local Fire Companies throughout the years. One of his proudest accomplishments was assisting Eddie Denkenberger in the restoration of the Frederica Fire company 1936 REO.

In addition to his parents, Frank is preceded in death by his step-mother, Seretha Beebe; his son-in-law, John Shoemaker; his sisters, Barbara Townsend, Marian Vincent, and Mildred Warren; his brother-in-law, James Abbott; his niece, Vonda Kay Abbott, his in-laws James and Mary D. Abbott.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 68 years, Frances A. (Abbott) Beebe; his children, Craig S. Beebe (Eileen), Lynn Reynolds, and Donna Shoemaker; his brothers, John Beebe and Dennis Beebe (Beverly); his sister-in-law, Janice Abbott; his grandchildren, Ryan Howard Beebe (Andrea) and Craig Reynolds (Taylor); his great grandchildren, Ethan Reynolds, Adalynn Reynolds, Tyler Beebe, and Parker Beebe; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St. Milford, DE 19963 time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. at 1:00 p.m. the service will be held. Interment will follow at Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be sent to: Frederica Volunteer Fire Co., PO Box 283, Frederica, DE 19946; or to The TSC Alliance in honor of his great grandson, Parker Beebe, by mail: 8737 Colesville Rd. Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or by going online, https://www.tscalliance.org/. Online condolences may be sent to the family at https://shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com/.