Jerold W. "Jerry" Frakes, 83, of Topeka, Kansas formerly of Junction City, Kansas died Thursday, January 11, 2024, at his home in Topeka, Kansas.
Jerry was born May 31, 1940, in Appleton, Wisconsin, the son of Harold and Eleanor (Van Boxtel) Frakes. Jerry grew up in Junction City and graduated from St. Xavier High School with the class of 1958. Jerry was a proud Welter Weight Champ of the Golden Glove Boxer in 1963. He was an ambitious business man owning a local Coors Distributor business for thirty five years. Jerry was a recipient of the "Sam Walton Business Leader Award" in 1999. He served on the Board of Directors for First National Bank and the Kansas Beer Wholesalers Association.
Jerry participated with many community events that included the Vietnam Memorial Program, Old Trooper Regiment, AUSA. He was inducted into the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club in 1989. Over the years, Jerry directed and participated in many Coors Freedom Runs.
On May 9, 1964, he married Connie K. Lucas at St. Xavier Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Connie of the home in Topeka, Kansas; two sons, Jerry B. Frakes and his wife Jennifer, Kelly Frakes and his wife Gail; one daughter, Robin Downing and her husband Jim; five grandsons, Harrison and Porter Frakes, Nick (Natalie Ost) Frakes, Austin Frakes and Lucas Downing; three granddaughters, Holly Frakes, Kayla (Jake Grant) and Carley Downing; two great granddaughters, Audrey and Gracie Grant; one niece, Natalie Frakes and her two children, Andrew Millsap and Sara Rexrode. He is also survived by his 102 year old Aunt Alice (Van Boxtel) Ludwig of Appleton, WI. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James "Jimmy" Frakes.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 15, 2024, at St. Xavier Catholic Church. with Father Kerry Ninemire officiating. A private family burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery. A Reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus to greet friends, lunch will be served. In lieu of flowers the family has designated memorial contributions to the Geary County Food Pantry Building Fund, 138 W. 3rd Street Junction City, Kansas 66441, and the Arts & Environment Fund of St. Xavier Parish, 218 N. Washington Street, Junction City, KS 66441.