Obituary of Frank D. Neese

Frank Delmar Neese passed away on April 1, 2023 just 8 hours before he would have turned 85. He was born in Indianapolis, on April 2, 1938, the youngest surviving son and child of Marah Worland Neese and Theo Neese. Frank is preceded in ever-lasting life by his wife of sixty-one years, Sharon Endicott Neese (September 3rd, 1938 – April 15, 2020). Frank is survived by their children; Kevin Neese (Peggy), Dawn Barringer (Matt), and Bryan A. Neese (Erica). From their children, they had three granddaughters; Caitlin Barringer, Rebecca Neese and Elizabeth Barringer. Five grandsons; Bryan Neese (Elaine), Michael Neese, Steele Neese (Lauren), Aaron Neese and Stone Neese (Julia). Six great-grandchildren; Lillian, Carter, Collin, and Lucas (Bryan) and Sage and Sonny Neese (Stone). Being the youngest of three surviving children, Frank had two older sisters (Alma and Thelma) growing up. They would remain close siblings and friends throughout their lives. This was a foundation that they built and continued to share with their families, as they lost their Theo (Frank’s father), when Frank was barely twelve years of age. While attending Washington High School in Indianapolis, Frank had several mentors that helped guide him after the passing of his father. Most notably was the friendship he formed with JC Nelson, his high school Science teacher and his wife, Fay Nelson. This was a friendship and bond he would continue through adulthood. After JC’s passing, Frank continued his friendship with Fay, even visiting her in Florida with his family during the kids Spring Break every year. During his teenage years, Frank took on the mantle of the family patriarch and provider. While still attending high school and at the age of sixteen, Frank began his career as an entrepreneur. It was with the help of his mother he purchased his first business, a jewelry store. At the same time he was working for Reilly Tar and Chemicals – becoming a purchasing agent by the time he was 18 and continued to work for Reilly for almost 20 years. This would be the start of a lifetime journey of hard work, and business skills he would pass on and share with his family throughout his lifetime. Frank would become the owner of Lube Oils, then moving on to own Capital Dodge. After Capital Doge, Frank started in the investment business first going to work for Traub and Company and then in 1997 being founder and President of Indiana Securities LLC – which he sold a little over a year ago. Family, religion and service were always key to Frank’s life. At an early age in life, Frank found a deep commitment and faith as a servant of Christ, first within the Presbyterian Church. It was through his faith and church, Frank would meet the love his life, Sharon. They first met at Hanover College where they were campers at church camp. They then met again at PYOCA (Presbyterian Church Camp) where Frank was a camp counselor with Sharon’s mother Geraldine Endicott. This rekindled their friendship and a love that would continue as a long-distance relationship until after Sharon graduated from Ball State University, marrying after Sharon’s graduation. Frank served as both a Decan and Elder at St. Andrew Presbyterian church until about 2000. After that, Frank and Sharon became faithful members and supporters of St. Luke United Methodist Church. Being faithful stewards, Frank and Sharon believed in service to others. Frank served as the President of the First Student Council of the Downtown Center of Indiana University in 1958 (now known as IUPUI) – later completing his degree at Butler University. Frank and Sharon always loved travel (especially with family). After joining St Lukes UMC they took over ten trips with fellow church members with several those being dedicated to mission work. Frank amazed fellow hikers when he climbed Mount Arashiyama in Japan to visit Iwatayma Monkey Park at 80 years old. Frank continued to travel after Sharon’s death going to Williamsburg with his granddaughter’s Caitlin and Elizabeth walking 3 miles in one day. Frank served as a faithful member of the Westminster Village Board of Directors for over 30 years. He also served on the Cooked Creek Community Food Pantry Board until just the past few months. As his children were growing up, Frank was very involved with Scouting; serving as Cubmaster for many years, as an Assistant Scoutmaster, and serving on District and Council committees. Frank and Sharon both firmly believed family comes first and they lived their life loving their family.