Francis Harold Gimbel, 79, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, August 13, 2025, in Powderly, Texas.
Funeral services have been set for Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Forest Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Mike Fortenberry officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Francis, known to many as Frankie, Big Frank, or simply Frank, was born May 17, 1946, in Pasco, Washington, to Francis Henry Gimbel and Hazel Louise Drake. Perhaps his most cherished nickname was “Papa,” as he was known by his favorite person, his granddaughter Mirabelle Gimbel. The bond between Papa and Mirabelle was something beautiful to witness—two peas in a pod who understood each other completely.
Frank was a quiet force of nature, always ready with a perfectly timed quip or a comment that might raise a few eyebrows but never failed to bring a smile.
Dependable. Kind. Thoughtful. These words only begin to capture who Big Frank was to those who were lucky to call him family, friend or brother-in-arms.
A proud Vietnam War veteran, Frank served his country with extraordinary distinction. After completing basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and advanced infantry training in 1967, he entered the U.S. Army Primary Helicopter School at Fort Wolters, Texas, followed by Advanced Flight School and Basic Officer Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, graduating on time with Class 69-17.
From 1969-1970, Chief Warrant Officer Gimbel served with A Company, 4th Aviation Battalion, 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam’s Northern II Corps Area. Flying in mountainous regions with heavy loads and high-density altitudes in confined areas, Frank maintained an impeccable safety record—accident and incident free despite the hostile environment and occasional ground fire damage.
In August 1969, Frank was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism during a harrowing rescue mission in the mountainous jungles of North Central Vietnam, Frank’s courage under fire saved lives.
Frank’s valor was further recognized with the Bronze Star for meritorious service and 35 Combat Air Medals (one medal with 27 oak leaf clusters) awarded for direct combat engagement hours from June 1969 to March 1971. He spent his final three months in Vietnam with the 35th Combat Engineer Brigade, continuing to serve in the same dangerous operational area. Frank fulfilled his military obligations and served his country proudly, stating he had “absolutely no regrets or illusions of entitlement.”
After his honorable discharge in March 1971, Frank transitioned his technical skills to the elevator industry. He continued his education at Eastfield College, studying electrical engineering and digital electronics. During his elevator career spanning 1972-2011 with the companies Dover, Westinghouse, Schindler and TKE, he was highly respected for his skill and expertise as a field adjuster, often called to work across the country at times. Frank was a mentor to many and a friend to all. Later, he returned to his aviation passion, obtaining commercial helicopter certifications, instrument ratings, and certified flight instructor credentials through SKY Helicopters.
Frank had a passion for spirited political debates over Sunday dinners—always with plenty of Sriracha on hand and opinions even stronger than the hot sauce. He was Mirabelle’s constant from the day she drew her first breath, never missing a birthday candle to blow out, a holiday hug to give, or an excuse to slip her ice cream when mama wasn’t looking. Frank’s idea of an airport pickup? Meeting Mirabelle’s Disney World flight wearing a Goofy hat—making the ordinary memorable. But his real magic was never saying “no”—only “Check with your mama first,” delivered with that knowing wink. Frank was the kind of father and papa who didn’t just say “If you need anything—holler,” but showed up before you even had to ask. His dry wit, unwavering loyalty, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Frank is survived by his son, Frank Gimbel and wife Annie; daughter, Mary Beth Buster and husband Mark; and his beloved granddaughter, Mirabelle Victoire Gimbel, sister, Suzanne Lynch; nephews, Justin (Melanie) Walls and Shane Walls; uncle, Richard Drake and wife Trava; and aunts, Becky Pridemore, Helen McDaniel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Henry Gimbel and Hazel Louise Drake; uncle, Hubert Drake; aunts, Mary Ruth Berry, Melba Parrish, and Ann Gooch; and grandparents, Kim Buck and Bertha Mae Drake.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Brad Drake, Paul Drake, Justin Walls, Scott Hall, Dean Hildebrand and Paul Banks.
Frank’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to Cindy Drake, Kristi Adams, Rachel Woods and Platinum Hospice for their support.
Online condolences may be sent to the Gimbel family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com
