Francis Irving Gant

Gant, Francis Irving (Frank) Age 81 Of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Francis Irving (Frank) Gant of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away in the early morning of Friday, November 20, 2009, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born January 27, 1928 in Gary, Indiana to Orphia Hackelford and Ruth Bush Gant. Frank graduated from Emerson High School in June of 1946, and enlisted in the Army in July of 1946, and served in Japan as part of the post occupation force. He then returned stateside and attended College at Pepperdine University in California for two years and two years at Kansas State on basketball scholarships. In High school, his nickname was the "Shadow" because he liked to hang-out with the older guys. Frank is survived by his wife, Dorothy Czerwin Gant; his son, Terrence and daughter-in-law Judy (Johnson) Gant and granddaughter Katherine (Kaki) of Midland, Texas; his daughter, Deborah and son-in-law Kevin Cardiff, granddaughter Megan Werner and grandson Kyle Werner of Kalamazoo, Michigan; his sister Dorothy Hawkins of Sarasota, Florida, brother Donald Gant of Deerfield, Illinois and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother Charles. Frank married Dorothy on May 14, 1955 and was married over 54 years. Frank worked his entire career for 38 years with Chase Products Company in Broadview, Illinois as a sales representative. Frank and Dorothy raised their 2 children in Orland Park and Palos Heights, Illinois before retiring to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and living for the past 15 years. Frank was an avid golfer and a member of Myrtle Beach National Golf Course at South Creek. He also enjoyed tennis, the beach and watching sports. Frank was cremated at the Avink Funeral Home in Schoolcraft, Michigan. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Myrtle Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association or Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, where the caring and loving staff made Frank and his family very comfortable during his final days.