Frank Fyke - RIP

Antipodean Andy · Nov 4, 2008

World War II veteran had long history of service | Fort Worth | Star-Telegram.com

Frank Fyke was a servant to his country and his community, friends and family said.

Mr. Fyke was a farm boy in Carrollton when he enlisted in the Army in 1940. He retired from the military 20 years later as a lieutenant colonel. Mr. Fyke was wounded twice during his service in the South Pacific Theater in World War II. He was a captain leading his troops on a reconnaissance mission in the Philippines when a gunshot wound in the arm took him out of combat, family members said.

Mr. Fyke’s military career was filled with honors and amazing stories, family members said. During a battle in the Philippines, Mr. Fyke risked his life to save fellow soldiers by driving a burning truck filled with explosives away from the area, which was under attack.

"It was about to blow to smithereens, and he got the truck out of there and saved countless lives," said Linda Fyke, his daughter-in-law.

Mr. Fyke, a longtime Fort Worth resident, died Tuesday. He was 91.

Family members say they expect Mr. Fyke’s war memoir to be published soon. His military honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and oak leaf cluster, and Purple Heart medal and oak leaf cluster, family members said.

After retiring from the Army, Mr. Fyke continued his service to the government as a liaison. In the 1960s, he was an Air Force plant representative at General Dynamics in Fort Worth. He later served as the Army Plant Representative Office’s administrative services chief at Bell Helicopter Textron, where he retired in 1981.

Mr. Fyke and his wife of 63 years raised two children. He was an active member of University Baptist Church in Fort Worth, where he served as treasurer of the men’s Sunday school class and president of the Crusaders class.

Those who knew him at church said he was a kind, caring man who never dressed in less than a suit coat and tie.

"He was just a quiet, gracious, caring individual. Every time one of the members of the Crusaders had an illness or problem, Frank was on the phone with them, going by to see them, supporting them," said Ben McLallen, who has known Mr. Fyke since the 1960s.

Linda Fyke said her father-in-law was also a servant in his Fort Worth neighborhood.

"He took care of many people’s needs. He would often watch out for people’s houses, water yards and help with chores. He was a hardworking, diligent person who liked to serve in practical ways," she said.

Mr. Fyke is survived by his wife, Jeanette Barron Fyke; daughter, Linda Fyke; son, Frank Fyke Jr.; three grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

He will be buried today with military honors in a private cemetery in Carrollton.
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Kyt · Nov 5, 2008

RIP Frank. According to another Obit he served in the 112th Cavalry:

He gets a mention here:
http://cgsc.cdmhost.com/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/p4013coll3&CISOPTR=753&filename=754.pdf

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