Frank Mills Shallene

Frank Mills Shallene, 84, of Colleyville, Texas, passed away on January 21, 2024. He was born on August 10, 1939, in Oahu, Hawaii. Frank was a proud man who loved his family dearly. He had a strong passion for skeet shooting and bird hunting, often participating in these activities with his friends. Frank was known for his tinkering skills and enjoyed working on cars and anything that had an engine. Fishing was another favorite pastime of his, and he cherished the fishing trips he took with his friend and son throughout the years. Frank had a great love for his wife Edith's cooking and would often hum while enjoying her meals. He also enjoyed taking Edith on trips and they traveled and cruised many places around the world. He loved his family and was extremely proud of all of them.

A faithful man, Frank found solace in attending church and singing in the choir. He had a deep appreciation for music and would often listen to it with his headphones and sing along. Frank was known for his organizational skills and insistence on doing things right. He instilled this value in his children, often reminding them, "If you're going to do something half ass, then don't do it at all."

Frank attended The University of Texas in Austin, where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1962. During his time at the university, he was a member of the Naval ROTC and Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Frank met his beautiful wife Edith Louise Kennard while attending college and they were married on September 29, 1962.

Frank's military service began in June 1962 when he was directly commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Brigade and took command of the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Communications Platoon. Frank served one year and one month on active duty overseas in the Vietnam War, stationed in Chu Lai and Da Nang. In 1966, he returned to the United States and his family. Frank completed a tour in San Diego and retired from the United States Marine Corps in June 1966 at the rank of Captain. He continued his service in the military reserves, where he was promoted to Major.

Following his military service, Frank began working for Bell Helicopter in September 1966. He held various positions within the company, including Design Engineer, Director of Product Support, and Director of Production Project Engineering. Frank's contributions to engine design led to several patents during his time at Bell Helicopter. After 33 years of dedicated service, he retired from the company in December 1999. Frank then started his own consulting business, Helicopter Engine Technologies, where he worked as a Propulsion Consulting Engineer. During this time, he self-published a book titled "Helicopter Propulsion Tips From Frank," which he shared with young engineers.

Frank worshiped at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church, where he served as Senior Warden and sang in the choir. He also sang in the choir at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church in his later years.

Frank is survived by his loving wife Edith Shallene, his children Martha Bock, Stephanie Ayers, and Mills Shallene, their respective spouses, David Bock, David Ayers and Kathy Shallene, and his grandchildren MaryKate Beseau, Cooper Beseau, Carson Beseau, Andy Ayers, Ellen Ayers, Sheridan Shallene, and Kaylyn Shallene. He was preceded in death by his father Wilbert Engdahl Shallene and his mother Ada Gertrude Beavers.

Frank in his last wishes wrote to the family, I want everybody to know that I have loved you all and have been proud of our Great Family ever since I loved and married Edith Kennard Shallene, the greatest wife a man could ever have. I don't want a lot of moaning and crying as I feel dying is not the end (too many good men have died for our great country for that to be the case), but rather the beginning of a grander life. I want a happy celebration of life, since I hope I will be with the Lord. I feel I have served him faithfully. That's all for now. See you all when you get here. LOVE YOU ALL!!

A Celebration of Life service for Frank shall be held at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church on February 11, 2024, at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

The Lucas Funeral Home in Keller, Texas, is entrusted with the arrangements.