Franklin Drew Boyett

Franklin Drew Boyett, 81, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 28, 2017.

Franklin was born August 19, 1935, in Malvern, Arkansas to Drew and Ethel Boyett.   He leaves his wife, Linda Loretta Boyett (VanDusen) 80; his daughters; Dana Mahoney (Cory) of Wellford, South Carolina, Lori Vanesa St. Pierre (Jimmy) of Bryant, Arkansas, Traci Hill (Gregg) of Arlington, Texas, Diane Hanshaw (Brian) of Haskell, Arkansas and Cara Little (Joe) of Barberton, Ohio.  He also leaves his son, Drew Boyett of Haskell, Arkansas, and his brother, Charles David Boyett of Glen Rose, Arkansas, plus 16 beautiful grandchildren and 13 entertaining great-grandchildren.

Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, Drew and Ethel Boyett, sisters, Marian Boyett Spencer, Bennie Boyett Porter, Ethlene Boyett VanDusen Christian; and brother Karrol Dean Boyett.

Frank went to Malvern High School.  In 1952 he joined the Arkansas National Guard.  During his last year of National Guard, he was on leave and went home to Malvern where he first set eyes on his amazing wife, Linda (or “Lindi” as he always called her).  Frank proposed to Lindi on their second date and they were married for 58 glorious years (just a few weeks shy from their 59th wedding anniversary).

Frank had not one, but two remarkable careers.  First he served for 23 years in the United States Air Force as a Master Sargent in Air Traffic Control.  During his time in Misawa, Japan, he received special honors from Lt. Colonel Hideshi Inoue, JASDF Commander, Misawa AACS SQ. Lt. Inoue shared that “Franklin positively guided JASDF controllers using his great store of knowledge and background in the Air Traffic Control Field.”  He also mentioned that it should be particularly noted that “Franklin’s diligent effort shown in OJT, rendered a great service to the elevation of JASDF Air Traffic Control capability.” The Lt. Colonel went on to say that “Franklin’s pleasing personality and devoted service helped to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the friendship between United States and Japan.”

After retiring from the Air Force with an honorable discharge, Franklin started his second career in Law Enforcement, which spanned an additional 31 years, for a total of 56 years of service to his country.  Franklin worked for Saline County as a Deputy Sheriff, the Chief of Police of Haskell, a Deputy Sheriff for Hot Spring County and an Arkansas State Police Officer involved with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. In his role with Arkansas State Law Enforcement, Frank achieved recognition and medals for being an expert Marksman/ sharpshooter, even into his mid-70’s when he retired.  He had several years of college, studying the field of criminology.

His favorite pastime was playing poker.  He also loved to fish with friends and always had a motorcycle since the age of 9.  He was a Civil War buff who did research to retell events and comprise theories.  His favorite subjects were Stonewall Jackson and General Robert E. Lee.  In addition, he was a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Arkansas Razorbacks.

A memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 1:00 PM in the Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel in Malvern.