Franklin (Frank) V. Witherspoon Jr.'s Obituary
Franklin V. (Frank) Witherspoon, Jr., a resident of Evansville, IN, aged 94, passed away on June 22, 2025, in the presence of his family. Frank was born on August 31, 1930, to Franklin V. Sr. and Mary W. Witherspoon. He was a graduate of Male High School, Louisville, KY, and of the University of Evansville, Evansville, IN.
Frank interrupted his university days with a ten and one-half-year stint in the United States Air Force. Four years in London as Drum Major of the U.S. Air Force Band enabled him to travel to a wide range of European countries and was the highlight of his military service. While deployed to England, his unit performed for Queen Elizabeth II and her family. At the close of the Royal Horse Show, Her Majesty asked to meet and congratulate the Drum Major. Frank presented his salute and was congratulated by Her Majesty for the excellent performance of his unit.
Following his military service, Mr. Witherspoon began a 48-year career following his passions: making music and teaching students. His experiences took him from Symphony Halls to parade grounds from College and University bands and Orchestras to accompanying major musical performers.
Frank loved performing, but he loved teaching his students even more. At the end of the day, he was tired, but he was ready to go back and do it again the next day. It was THAT passion for sharing music that kept him teaching until he was 81!
On May 28th, 1978, Mr. Witherspoon married Erin Roe Bryan in Pinckneyville, IL, and she survives. Their combined family includes: Dr. Douglas (Dr. Margaret) Witherspoon, David (Becky) Witherspoon, Susan (Fred) Hawkins, Steven (Vicki) Witherspoon, Linda (Mike) Happe, Rebecca (Rick) Witherspoon Messman, Heather (Marty) Beltz, and Keir (Karol) Bryan; eleven grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren, all of whom survive.
The primary focus of Frank’s life was his absolutely unshakable faith. He pastored churches in both Southern and Central Illinois. No problem was too big or too small to be taken to God, and faith was a cornerstone in raising his children. If faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ was an Olympic event, Frank took home the Gold!
Later in life, Frank took up painting. He developed a love of color and quickly incorporated color into his wardrobe and life.
In addition to teaching, Frank also enjoyed composing and copyrighting his own melodies. In 1988 he offered to write his wife a love song to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Witherspoon asked for a “march in the military style”. Subsequently, later in the year came the arrival of the ErinRoe Irish Concert March. The march has been performed by the SIU Concert Band, the University of Evansville Concert Band, the Northwestern University Concert Band, the Rend Lake Civic Symphony and many high school bands and orchestras.
Mr. Witherspoon was pre-deceased by his parents, Frank and Mary Witherspoon; one sister, Rosemary C. Barnes; and one brother, Thomas B. Witherspoon.
PER MR. WITHERPOON’S REQUEST:
If you are attending his Celebration of Life, if you are able, please wear COLOR. He was very specific about family and friends not wearing black or dark colors to his Celebration.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, IL, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Leanne Noland officiating. Interment will be at Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, Illinois. Military honors will be performed by the United States Air Force.
Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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