LACONIA --- Donald Walton Frank, 84, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Donald was born on November 8, 1941, in Clay City, IL, the son of the late Robert Berlin Frank and Florence Lorene (Pridemore) Frank.
Donald met the love of his life, Nancy (Williams) Frank while he was visiting friends at Franklin Pierce Lake and were married for over 63 years.
Donald was a proud US Army Veteran, serving 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam, serving with 82nd, 101st, and 173rd Airborne Divisions. He also served as a Drill Sergeant and in the 101st Bicentennial Color Guard. Donald and Nancy were stationed in many places during his service, including Germany, Okinawa, Alaska, Ft. Bragg, NC, and Ft. Campbell, KY. Once retired from the military, Donald worked as a clerk at the United States Postal Service.
He loved watching the Boston sports teams and really enjoyed bass fishing his way around dozens of lakes and ponds in New Hampshire. Donald fished in many tournaments and was happy to take anyone out fishing who showed interest.
Donald is survived by his wife Nancy Frank; son Joseph Frank; daughters Kelly Pinette and her husband Kevin, Charlene Hyslop and her husband Robert, and Marlene Kaler; grandchildren Kyle Pinette and his wife Nicole, Kari Flournoy and her husband Mitchell, Kristopher Pinette and his wife Haley, Kody Pinette and his wife Carrie, Brooke Rainaud and her husband Toren, Thomas Esdale, Blake Kaler, Bailey Kaler, and Katie Frank; and 13 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers John Frank, David Frank, and his sister,
Karen Hale.
Donald is fondly remembered with having a great sense of humor and as a wonderful storyteller. Telling stories about life growing up on a farm in Illinois, the realities of being a serviceman during the Vietnam War and about raising four children. A life well lived and these are held as cherished memories by his family and friends.
Donald will be laid to rest with full military honors at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH. Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations in Donald’s name be made to the Lakes Region VNA Hospice Staff, 186 Waukewan Street, Meredith, NH, 03253 or online at https://lrvna.org/ donation tab.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.