Frank John Pavlas was born August 6, 1932 in Philip, South Dakota, the son of Mike and Laura (Washecheck) Pavlas. He grew up on his parent’s ranch southeast of Cottonwood and attended school at Fairview Country School and later in Cottonwood. After he completed school he worked for various ranchers in the area.

At the age of eighteen, Frank enlisted in the United States Army, by riding a train from South Dakota to New York. While in the Army, Frank was a tanker on the M-60 battle tank. He served one tour overseas before being honorably discharged.

After his honorable discharge, Frank returned to the Cottonwood area where he broke horses and did field work for various ranchers, including Ohmer Cook, Harold Odom and Bernard Stout.

In 1965 Frank was united in marriage to Charlotte Peterson. The made their home on the Red River near Belle Fourche. Frank worked at the Homestake Gold Mine and later at Pope and Talbot Lumber. Later he returned to the ranch southeast of Cottonwood.

His wife Charlotte preceded him in death in 1983. Frank continued to reside and work on the ranch raising cattle.

On December 27, 1984, Frank was united in marriage to Vicki Watson and to this union were born two sons Joseph and Thomas. Frank continued to work on the ranch and during that time, taught his sons not only how to work on the ranch, but how to enjoy everything else that the area provided. Frank enjoyed fishing, collecting and polishing rocks, as well as all animals. This was proven numerous times in his life by raising animals that were unable to care for themselves such as a young deer and an owl, and also by having pet bulls. Frank took great pride in his family and enjoyed every day he spent with them.

Grateful for having shared his life include his wife Vicki of Philip; two sons Joseph and Thomas Pavlas of Philip; four sisters Mary Hemmingson of Tryon, Oklahoma, Jean Amiotte and her husband Norman of Interior, Anna Westfall of Colorado, and Grace Hess of Chicago, Illinois.

Frank was preceded in death by his first wife Charlotte, his parents, and an uncle John Pavlas.

Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the Legion.

Funeral services was held 10:00 a.m. Friday, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.

Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post #173 of Philip was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

A memorial is established.

MINISTER
Pastor Jeff Tippner

MUSIC
Joyce Wheeler – Pianist
Lyndy Ireland - Vocalist

USHERS
Jim Wheeler - Jim Cantrell

PALLBEARERS
Cliff Fees - Kenny Ireland
Vern Omdahl - Justin Wheeler
Todd O'Connor - Danny Oldenberg
Sylvan Baye - Brooke Varty

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
American Legion Post #173 of Philip
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota