Master Sergeant Francisco (Frank) Perez , retired, 62, from Midwest City, OK, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 2, 2010. He died suddenly from undiagnosed, terminal cancer. Frank was born on Dec. 3, 1947 in Bay City, Texas, to John and Sophie Perez . He served in the United States Air Force from 1968-1988. He was stationed in Keesler AFB, MS, Nellis AFB, NV, and Barksdale AFB, LA. He was a Geodetic Surveyor and later an Auto Track Radar Technician and member of the "Bug Crew." Frank was a Vietnam Veteran, having served 5 tours of duty. He was among the last to leave Southeast Asia when the conflict ended. When Frank retired as a MSgt in 1988, he moved to Midwest City, OK and earned an A.A.S. in Electromechanical Engineering Technology from Rose State College. He was Air Force "all the way," so to remain engaged with the Air Force, he began working for Services in Equipment Check-Out in 1993 at Tinker AFB, where he was still employed at the time of his death. There, he repaired small engines and other equipment. Frank was a real people person and made many true friends at Tinker. He took many people under his wing and let them know how much he was there for them. Frank loved his home state of Texas, the Texas Longhorns, and the OSU Cowboys, so was always ready for a good ribbing and teasing from OU fans or vice versa (Hook 'em Horns).

Frank also was a real family man and homebody. His home in Midwest City was his castle, and it was truly impossible to get him leave it to travel. Frank and Kathy (Kane) Perez were married on Aug. 14, 1980, and spent 29 years sharing a life together. They had 4 wonderful children, two of his, two of hers; 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Frank enjoyed fishing, flower gardening, movie watching and collecting diverse items. He loved his home, neighborhood, and neighbors. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and gave them much love, and was known by them as Papa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sophie Perez ; brother, Fred Perez ; and sisters: Mary Jane Perez and Connie Lara. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his son, Robert Perez and his wife Cara and their daughters, Jessica, Nia, and Sophia, from Midwest City; and Robert's daughter, Krystal Perez and her son, Robert, from San Angelo, TX, and daughter, Tuan Mary Perez from Waco, Texas; son, Keith Heavner and his daughters, Kyra and Aria, from Helena, OK; and daughter, Melissa (Heavner) and husband Philip Banta and their boys, Aidon and Phoenix Banta and, Bradley Routt. We love you Papa. He is also survived by his big brother, Lupe Perez and wife Jane of Wharton, Texas; his little brother, Steve and wife Jane of Lehigh Acres, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He has been part of and loved by Kathy's large, extended family and will be truly missed by them. He touched the hearts of many throughout his life and will be missed by his friends and family everywhere.