Mr. Franklin Harry Whitfield

On January 10, 1934, MR. FRANKLIN HARRY WHITFIELD was the second of four children born to the late Mr. Harry Milton and Ms. Willia R.B. Simpson. Mr. Franklin "Frank" Harry Whitfield was born and lived in Saint Louis Missouri his entire life. His other siblings, Mrs. Mary Alfred Hill-Short (eldest) and Mr.James Edwards Whitfield (third child), have preceded him in death last year. The surviving youngest child is Mrs. Marian (June) L Shands. 

Mr. Frank confessed his life to Christ at an early age and believed in until his final hours. 

He attended St. Louis Public Schools his entire school life. He proudly graduated from Charles Sumner High School in 1953. There, he was Captain of the football team, active on the track team and remained a true bulldog through and through. Frank was honored from the Sumner Alumni Association as One of the "50 Greatest Football Players" during 1940-2000 of Sumner High School on October 14, 2006. 

While attending Sumner, Frank spent his summers working with P J. Jamboretz Trucking Services, which led him to full time employment. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Local 618 Trucker Drivers Union. After some time, Frank began working in operations at the Shapiro Sales Company in 1959. Frank earned the nickname as "The Black Knight" because of his tremendous work ethics. He worked at Shapiro over 45 years until he retired. This same work ethic brought him back to work. Frank gained a position at CanMan Recycling, where he remained until his official retirement in 2014. 

Frank met and married Mrs. Donzella Shobe and to this union they were blessed with nine children. He later met Ms. Rosalie Miles and with this union one son was fathered. It was while working at the CanMan Recycling when this wonderful man met and fell in love with Ms. Patricia Daggs who already had three lovely daughters. It was her youngest daughter that was saving cans to attend her Senior High School graduation trip that brought both these two together. His way of getting to know her was asking to come eat some of the greens she had purchased at the Market near the CanMan Recycling location in University City. Anyone that knows him knew he preferred to have his chips instead of his vegetables. The two were married on September 7, 1983. The two of them not only joined their hearts but they joined both families as they remained husband and wife and best friends for life for 37 years. 

Franklin Harry Whitfield loved his family. He was definitely a family man, often hosting spiritual and holiday gatherings at his home in Florissant, Missouri with his wife. Franklin's hobbies included sports, fishing, traveling and doing things with his hands. He wrapped the best gifts ever. He grew to love Country music while he was an over the road truck driver. He always said country music tells stories. Frank was an avid supporter of the Saint Louis Rams and always had season tickets. Forever a loyal environmentalist, Franklin recycled every can he ever came across; frequently picking up cans from his family members homes. Our Frank was a very laid-back quiet man, and he will be forever missed and never forgotten. 

He now joins his parents, Mr. Franklin Harry Whitfield and Mrs. Willa R.B. Simpson Whitfield, eldest sister, Mrs. Mary Hill-Short, younger brother, Mr. James Edwards, his son, Mr. Charles Whitfield Sr., and two grandchildren, Master Buford T. Mahone III and Ms. Brenda Whitfield, in eternal rest. 

He leaves to celebrate his life and legacy: his devoted wife of 37 years, Mrs. Patricia Daggs Whitfield; his sister, Marian L "June" Shands; his children, William (Rose) Whitfield, Alice (Cornell) Williams, Richard Whitfield, Sr., Darene Whitfield, Darlene Marshall, Raymond Whitfield, Willia Anderson, Eva Whitfield, Alfred Whitfield (Dionna), Lynette Johnson-King, LaKecia Johnson, LaReecia D. Johnson; and daughter-in-love, Toni. He also leaves 52 grandchildren, his great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a very one of kind nephew, Mr. Anwar Shands. 

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