Frank Fletcher Mulkey

Frank Fletcher Mulkey, 99, of Port Charlotte, FL passed away May 24, 2015. He was born January 16, 1916 in El Paso, Texas to Frank and Laura Mulkey. Frank graduated from Lawrence University in Wisconsin with a degree in economics in 1937. Before the start of WWII he was drafted into the Army as a Private. After Pearl Harbor he volunteered for officer candidate school. He was interviewed and recommended by General Benjamin O. Davis and was a Captain when discharged in December of 1945. Frank served with the Eighth Air Force in the European theatre of operations. Initially he was assigned to the 91st Bomb Group as an ordnance officer. His B-17 bomb squadron included the well know "Memphis Belle." As an ordnance officer Frank was responsible for aircraft munitions and defusing unexploded bombs. As a result of this he had difficulty in hearing in later years and carried a piece of shrapnel in his foot for the rest of his life. In 1944, he led a team of 25 men who developed glide bombs that were to be used to attack submarine pens. These remote controlled glide bombs were an early version of modern smart bomb technology. Based on his military service, Frank realized that he had an aptitude for engineering and upon discharge studied engineering at the University of Wisconsin where he met his future wife, Bonnie Lee of Tulsa, Oklahoma. They were married in Milwaukee on August 31, 1946 and had four children. Frank was employed by the Falk Corporation for 37 years as a Sales Engineer mostly in the St. Louis area. Frank was active with of the Boy Scouts, serving as scoutmaster for all three of his son's scout troops. He also served as a Deacon of Webster Groves Presbyterian Church and on the Webster Groves School Board. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Punta Gorda, FL where they were active members of the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, Retired Officers Association and various musical and civic organizations. He was predeceased by his wife in 1995 and in his later years was comforted by the care and friendship of Christine Laird of California. Frank will be greatly missed by his children, Tim Mulkey of Houston, TX, Heather Mulkey of London, England, Steven Mulkey of St. Louis, MO and Eric Mulkey of Dallas Tx; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren A private service will be held at a later date. His charm and positive attitude will be missed by his children and all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Boy Scouts of America or the American Red Cross. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guest book. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral.