Richard Newell Van Frank, 85, of Sanford, FL passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 15, 2013 at his home. He was born in Bastrop, LA on August 29, 1928 and graduated from Central HS in Memphis, TN. He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Architecture and was a senior partner with JMGR Architects of Memphis for over 30 years. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Board, and a John Williams Fellow of the University Of Arkansas School Of Architecture. He served in the 101st Airborne Div. of the US Army in Fort Jackson, S. Carolina from 1954-56. Mr. Van Frank was a member of the Sertoma Club and The Rotary Club of Memphis serving his community for many years. He was a member of Evergreen Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and later joined Wekiva Presbyterian Church of Longwood, FL after his retirement.
Mr. Van Frank was a true gentleman and a friend of many people from many places. He was well respected for his professionalism and expertise in his field. He was a dedicated husband and loving father who exemplified the definition of commitment and lived a life of Christian values teaching his children the importance of the Golden Rule. He loved to be around his children and grandchildren supporting them in their hobbies and endeavors.
He was preceded in death by his parents James Newell and Louise Curl Van Frank and is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 56 years Phyllis Krauss Van Frank of Sanford, FL; children Laura Fesmire of Sanford, FL; Bradley Van Frank (Kim) of Collierville, TN, and Jana Escue (Keith) of Lake Mary, FL; brother, James Riley Van Frank (Emma Dean) of Germantown, TN; grandchildren, Alex Schrock, Ashley Fesmire, Logan Van Frank, Landon Van Frank, Wesley Escue (Jordan), Taylor Escue and Malloree Escue as well as many other loving nephews, nieces and family members.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers any memorials or donations be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis and The Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center of Orlando Florida.

Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751. (407) 695-CARE(2273).