William Spiva

Grove - William F. "Frank" Spiva, age 87, died on October 16, 2008 at Integris Grove General Hospital in Grove, Oklahoma. Frank was born on January 17, 1921 in Gentry, Arkansas to Allen and Hettie (Akins) Spiva. Frank proudly served in the United States Army from September of 1942 until January of 1946. He served more than two years with the famed Flying Tigers, the air group, which came to be known as "The Globetrotters". Frank was involved in operations in both the Asian and European action during the war. Cpl. Spiva was involved with air craft maintenance used in the operations, among them the P-51 and P-40 fighters. Frank was awarded the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, AP Theater Ribbon and two Bronze Service Stars. Frank enjoyed fishing, hunting and tinkering with small engines. Frank was also known to sometimes stick his teeth out at people. Frank worked for the Gravette Co-op Feed Store, the Constable of Gravette, Peterson Farms in the feed mills in Decatur Arkansas, then after Frank's retirement from Gravette Schelling Company, he and his wife Kay (Allen) Spiva moved to Grove, Oklahoma. Frank was preceded in death by his parents Allen & Hettie Spiva, one daughter Patricia Chandler, one Granddaughter Teresa Chamberlin, six brothers and two sisters. Frank is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kay Spiva, one daughter Frances Barrett and her husband Clyde of Pryor, Oklahoma, three grandchildren Gerald Barrett and his wife Kathy of Rose Oklahoma, Belinda O'Canas and her husband John of Pryor, Oklahoma and Shelia Donahue of Bentonville, Arkansas, seven great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, three sisters; Maxine Bates of Centerton, Arkansas, June Williams and Geneva Williams both of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, one brother James Spiva of Rogers, Arkansas and many nieces and nephews. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the Ellis Family Funeral Home Chapel in Grove, Oklahoma. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, October 20, 2008 with Pastor David Talle' officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Grove American Legion Ritual Team. Friends and family may leave online condolences by viewing obituary at www.ellisfuneralhome.com

Service Details

Monday, October 20th, 2008, Mount Pleasant

Interment Details

Mount Pleasant