Frank O. Rancloes

October 27, 1924 - May 14, 2017

STEWARTSTOWN— Frank ‘Frankie’ O. Rancloes, 92, of Stewartstown, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2017, at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, surrounded by his loving family. Frank was born in Clarksville to Francis George Rancloes and Lottie (Young) Rancloes on Oct. 27, 1924. He started school at the little school house in Clarksville, then went to Indian Stream School House and he completed his education at the Pittsburg School. While he was in school, to help out his family, he also cut wood and trapped beaver. In April, 1943, Frank enlisted in the Marine Corps, and after basic training was assigned to the 7th Depot of the 4th Marine Division, where he served his country with honor and valor during World War II. He saw combat action in the Battle of Saipan in the second wave and also during the 8-day Battle of Tinian. For each of these battles, Frank received a Presidential Award. After the war ended, he returned home to Pittsburg, hitchhiking from the train station in Whitefield. Frank loved to attend his Marine Corps reunions, never missing one, and this year would have marked the 33rd one that he attended. After the war, Frank worked for 35 years as a hunting guide at the Glen and Camp Otter in Pittsburg. He was a well-known local logger and trucker until he gave up his CDL at the age 84. He also served as selectman, road agent and on the school board for the town of Stewartstown. Frank greatly enjoyed visiting and telling stories to the many friends he and Glenna welcomed into their home in Stewartstown, where there was always an open-door policy. His stories and smile will be surely missed by all. Shortly after his return home, he married the love of his life, Glenna Knapp, on Feb. 16, 1947. She was to be his faithful wife for the next 70 years. Together they had 7 children: Constance ‘Connie’ Angevine, the late Larry Rancloes, Wanda (Robert) Brown, Rene Rancloes (Carol Placey), F. Russell ‘Bim’ Rancloes, Rita (Bruce) Hale, and David (Melanie) Rancloes. He was the patriarch of 23 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Rancloes, his brother, Norman Rancloes, a sister, Mary McKearney, and grandchildren Lana Brown and Chris Rancloes. Calling hours will be on Sunday, May 21, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A graveside committal service with military honors, for both Frank and his son Larry, will be on Monday, May 22, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Stewartstown Hollow Cemetery Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Rancloes may be made to the Two Rivers Ride for Cancer, c/o R. Mulliken, 53 Spring St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.