Frank Joseph Fende, Jr., 70, of Proctorville, OH, beloved husband of Deb Ferguson Fende for 24 years, died Saturday, September 1, 2018 at St. Mary's Medical Center. He was born September 19, 1947 in Cleveland, OH, the son of the late Frank Joseph Fende, Sr., and Elsie Pirnat Fende. His brother, Timothy Fende, and nephew, Albert Fende, also preceded him in death. In addition to his wife, survivors include, a daughter, Andrea George of Kansas City, MO and step-daughter Sara Ackerman of Orwell, Oh; two sons, Justin Fende (wife, Julie) of Kansas City, MO, and Anthony Fende of Cleveland, OH; two grandchildren, Sloane Fende and Andrew George, both of Kansas City; two sisters, Susan Fende of Wickliffe, OH, and Cynthia LaConte of Chardon, OH; his very special brother-in-law, Patrick LaConte of Mayfield Heights, OH; his father-in-law, Gerald Ferguson of Huntington, brother and sister-in-law Bob and MaryJo Ferguson of Mooresville, NC and nieces and nephews, Amanda and Jeffrey Leber, and Sarah, Patrick and Andrew LaConte; dearest friend Tim Urian and unconditionally loving companions, Petie and Harley (The Boys).

Proud of his Slovenian heritage, Frank grew up in Wickliffe Ohio prior to volunteering at age 17 to join the U.S. Marines Corps during the height of the Viet Nam War. His active duty (1965-1969) included 19 months in Vietnam (June 1966- Jan 1968) with Company "C" 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division where he fought in 22 combat operations, including Operations Hastings (July 1966). He was awarded three Meritorious Combat Promotions, five personal decorations and recommended for Meritorious Commission to Officer Status. He was honorably discharged as Staff Sargeant in Dec. 1969.
He was a member of the Marine Corps League and VFW Post 6878 of Proctorville, OH and the VFW Post 4796 and Color Guard in Wickliffe, OH.

Frank was a senior sales representative for fifteen years for the former INCO and current Special Metals of Huntington. He also served as Plant Superintendent at Transfab, Inc. and Production Supervisor at SNE Enterprises, both in Huntington.


Frank was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and also Cross Roads United Methodist where he taught Sunday school and directed and performed in many dramatic programs, including The Living Last Supper and a monologue performance as the soldier at the Cross for a special Good Friday Service.

He coached Justin's soccer teams in Kansas City and Sara's in Cleveland as well as refereed soccer for several years in Huntington.

Frank was an avid reader and had the gift of gab, reveling in story-telling. He had a deep, strong masculine voice with a fantastic memory for dates and specific details. He made every Christmas special with his child-like excitement and anticipation.

Always Loved, Never Forgotten, And Forever Missed. Rest in Peace, My Love.

Funeral service with military honors conducted by the Marine Corps League Detachment 340 will be conducted 6:00 pm Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Chapman's Mortuary, with Rev. Bill DeMoss and Father Douglas Ondeck officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to services (5 to 6 pm) Thursday at Chapman's Mortuary.