Franklin “Frank” B. Conover
Frank Conover
Franklin “Frank” B. Conover died peacefully in the comfort of his home in Bellevue, WA on August 17th at the age of 92.
Born in Kirkland, WA to Nellie and Bert Conover on July 30th, 1932, brother Jerry was 2 years his senior; sister Sally would join the family 2 years later.
Frank met his high school sweetheart, Joan “Jodie” Halliday, during his years at Franklin High School. After graduating in 1950, he joined the United States Marine Corps; he wed Jodie during his service years on June 14th, 1952. Corporal Conover received a National Defense Service medal and an honorable discharge in 1955.
Son Michael “Mike” was welcomed in 1956, son David “Dave” in 1959.
Frank started Bellevue Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in 1971 which he operated up to his retirement, therein turning over the reins to Mike and Dave until the company sold in 2018.
Being an avid baseball fan, player, and coach led Frank and Jodie to sponsor a Bellevue Plumbing softball team that included both their sons. The team went on to win 27 1st place tournaments.
Frank stepped away from work after Jodie lost her battle to cancer in 1994, then taking up golf and becoming an active member at Sahalee Country Club.
He met Eloise “Bunny” Elmslie through their shared passion for the sport; they married April 27th, 1996. Together they visited over 20 countries, some more than once, while splitting time between their homes in Bellevue and Honolulu, HI. Frank encapsulated the Aloha Spirit through and through, as anyone who knew him would attest. His beloved home of 58 years was the core of countless family gatherings including pumpkin carving and Easter egg hunts; his passion for gardening and hosting events proved to always be memory-worthy! His resounding laugh could fill a room and he never met a dance floor he didn’t like.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Jodie, his 2 siblings, and several other relatives and friends. Frank is survived by wife Bunny Conover of Bellevue; son Mike and wife Cathy Conover of Bellevue; son Dave Conover. Frank was dotingly known as “Papa” by his four grandchildren (Katherine, Daniel, Victoria, and Ryan) and three great-granddaughters (Adelaide, Cora, and Kyla).
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 11th at St. Louise Catholic Church at 11am; 141 156th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98007. Reception to immediately follow. Family and close friends will attend a graveside ceremony at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue where Frank will be forever laid to rest.
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Frank was a father figure, coach, mentor and friend. “Hey Brix, stop by for a toot”. I often dropped in on Jodie, so an invitation from Frank was a bonus. We’d discuss just about anything, usually family, friends or team mates. So many childhood memories of writing skits and performing in their garage for ourselves, playing kids vs dads in the adjoining field with the Bylsma family, or just learning how to push a lawn sweeper. Frank was not much of a hugger so I always tried to catch him by surprise, and give him a hug.
Peaceful slumbers Frank.
Jamie
Aloha oi uncle frank!!! Loved when you would come to visit us in Hawaii years ago, bringing my cousins to meet us and play all day!!! The beach days were endless and sunburnt we were! A hui ho uncle! Until we meet again!! Love, mark and Danna Dambacher!