Frank X. Mudd

Frank Xavier Mudd, Jr. April 20, 1923 – January 3, 2015

"You have to play the hand you're dealt" has been one of dad's favorite sayings of late...at the age of 91. Looking back at his life, born in Chicago, and then raised in Miami, he was an only child who did play the hand he was dealt.

Early on, he connected with the natural world...the ocean, beach, fruit trees (guavas, mangoes and coconuts were in abundance) and the tropical weather. He engaged with that world and flourished. He even rode on an elephant on the beach after a day in school...first grade! Later in his grammar school days, it happened that he took swimming lessons from a returning Olympic champion, Johnny Weissmuller, Tarzan!

Thus, Dad arrived at high school with a healthy body and mind...nurtured along by a Jesuit school set in the countryside surrounding Miami. After that, it wasn't long until my dad met my mom at an after (high) school job. They fell in love. He married Sarah Jean Chupp in Miami and they were inseparable until her death in 2006.

During WWII, he was in the US Army and spent his time in active duty in south China (Burma), maintaining a radar station monitoring flights over the hump. Upon returning to the states after the war he lived in Decatur, Georgia, working in the home heating and gas business. He subsequently worked for Curtis 1000, beginning first in sales, then management, opening plants for them across the country. In 1969, he settled in Atlanta, Georgia, working for Curtis 1000 in sales, a position he remained in until his retirement in 1994. Mom and Dad relocated to Colorado in 2000 to be close to their two daughters, Beverly and Carol and his three grandchildren.

Dad enjoyed his family, his golf clubs and every imaginable water activity for the great majority of his life. Although some of these activities diminished as his vision became increasing impaired, he had his family that he loved so dearly always close at hand. He remained in total control of his mental acuity until the very moment of his passing.

Moderation was the hallmark of his life. Blessed with a very good mind, he was able to temper his actions with clarity, kindness and humor. He was highly likable, charming and the rock of our lives...he was the best dad ever.

Frank was an organ donor and also had favorite charities. In lieu of flowers charitable donations may be made in Frank's memory to the following organization, The Denver Rescue Mission, 3501 E. 46th Avenue, Denver, CO 80216; phone, 303-297-1815 or at their web site http://www.denverrescuemission.org/

There will be two remembrances of his full and complete life, one to be held in Littleton, Colorado and one in Decatur, Georgia, where he will be buried next to his love, Sarah.

In Littleton:
January 10, 2015 2-4 pm.
Drinkwine Mortuary
999 West Littleton Boulevard, Littleton, CO 80120
(303) 794-6376

In Decatur:
January 17, 2015 12-2pm
A.S. Turner and Sons
2773 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 508-9287


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033