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Frank Mize
Soldotna resident Frank Mize died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003, at
Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna from complications due to cancer.
He was 82.
Masonic memorial services will be at 3 p.m.
Saturday at the Kenai Masonic Lodge No. 11, at 36081B Kenai Spur Highway in
Soldotna.
Mr. Mize was born May 4, 1921, in Corpus
Christi, Texas. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on Oct. 23, 1942, and served
honorably during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 10, 1945.
He came to Alaska in 1960 and worked as a
welder and heavy equipment operator. He belonged to the Pipefitters, Plumbers
and Steamfitters Local Union No. 367 and Local Union No. 302 Operator Engineers.
He settled in Soldotna and owned and operated Thunderbird Welding for many
years. He remained in Soldotna until his death.
Mr. Mize was a dedicated charter member of
Soldotna-Kenai Lodge No. 11. He also belonged to the Shriners, York Rite and
Scottish Rite Order of Masons. He also was past master of Seward Lodge No. 6.
Mr. Mize helped with the Shriner's Crippled
Children Outreach Program and enjoyed fishing, hunting, gold mining and telling
tall tales.
"Frank will be greatly missed for his subtle
wit and humor by his many friends and family throughout Alaska and Texas. He
also enjoyed teaching his special grandson Anthony Francis all about dump
trucks, pushing dirt and his favorite childhood song," his family said.
He was preceded in death by a son, Sammy, and
brother, Jack, of Texas.
Mr. Mize is survived by his wife, Jacqueline;
children, Jack Mize and his wife, Barbara, of Soldotna, Donald Mize of Arizona,
and Patiricia Leach of Soldotna; stepchildren, Vicki Gibbs and her husband,
Jake, of Soldotna, Reid Robinson and his wife, Melissa, of Florida, Christopher
Robinson of Soldotna, Lori Mason and her husband, Dan, of Soldotna, Clark Long
and his wife, Mitzie, of Soldotna, and Geoffrey Long and his wife, Tammy, of
Kenai; five grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren;
seven step-great-grandchidlren; sister, Tommie Grochoski of California; and
brother, H.D. Mize of Texas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made
in his name to the Kenai-Soldotna Shrine Club Building Fund, 36081A Kenai Spur
Highway, Soldotna, AK 99669.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial
Chapel.
Source: Peninsula Clarion, December 17, 2003
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