Rev. Frank O. Monroe

TROY - Rev. Frank O. Monroe, 74, of Springfield Township, Bradford County, went to be with his Lord on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at his residence.

He was the loving husband of Hildegard (Brandner) Monroe. The couple married on Dec.21, 1959, and had 49 wonderful years together.

Pastor Frank was born on Sept. 8, 1935, in Southdale, the son of the late Seymour and Merle (Goodman) Monroe. He was a graduate of Huntington Mills High School and attended Mansfield University and Corning Community College, and graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Pastor Monroe was a U.S. Army veteran serving his country in the Military Police.

Frank had a true passion and dedication for his God and his ministry with the United Methodist Church. He pastored the Talmar Charge in Columbia County for three years, the Big Pond, Leona and Wetona churches in Bradford County for 15 years, the Lewistown Charge of Grove Memorial and Glenwood churches for 10 years and the Chambersburg Charge of Park Avenue Church for three years, until his retirement in 1998.

After his retirement, he and Hildegard returned to the Bradford County area helping in the churches he previously pastored. He was a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association.

Rev. Monroe is survived by his wife Hildegard; his sons, Frank D. (Darla) Monroe, of Spring Mills and Mark J. (Deanna) Monroe, of Lewistown; his daughters, L. Sue (Mark) Bullock, of Apalachin, N.Y., Linda (Thomas) Kerek, of Kane and Heidi M. Monroe, of Pittsburgh; his grandchildren, Michelle Bullock, Nathan Monroe, Andrew Bullock, Alison Bullock, Nicholas Monroe, Emelie Kerek, Alex Monroe, Addison Monroe, Grace Monroe, and Genevieve Monroe-Gribble; his brother, Abraham (Janice) Monroe, of Southdale and his sister, Ruth Monroe, of Harrisburg, along with several nieces and nephews.

Pastor Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Vernon, Arthur, Jack, and Bill Monroe and his sister, Violet Hidlay.

Family and friends are welcome to gather from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church of Troy, 205 Redington Ave., Troy.

The funeral service to honor Rev. Monroe's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, at the church with his pastor and friend, the Rev. Richard Noggle, officiating and Pastor Lavern Jackson assisting. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Wetona Cemetery.

The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home Inc. 110 West Main St., Troy, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Contributions may be made in Rev. Monroe's memory to the Wetona United Methodist Church building Fund, 205 Redington Ave., Troy, PA 16947 or to the charity of one's own choosing.

Send condolences at BestLifeTributes.com.