William "Willie" D. Frank

William “Willie” David Frank, 52 of Clancy passed away July 5, 2024 as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was known to some as CSM William David Frank, FIDO, son, uncle, brother, nephew, grandson, mentor, friend, and to one as Husband.

Will was born September 3, 1971 at Fort Lewis, Washington to Nona Walker and Donald Frank.  He attended Darby Schools through 10th grade when he transferred to Trapper Creek High School, graduating in 1989.  He later went on to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Will met and later married his loving wife Sarah Frawley almost 25 years ago. They enjoyed numerous trips and adventures together.

Will joined the U.S. Army where he was a mechanic and recovery specialist on heavy equipment and armored vehicles. He went on to join the Montana Army National Guard where he served in a variety of roles. He was qualified as a Mortarman, Infantryman, and Cavalry Scout. He was an instructor of Indirect fire Infantryman, and Combat Aviation Survival.

Will served several tours in the Iraq and Afghanistan where he held positions ranging from Ground Air Liaison between the Army and the Air Force to Operations Sergeant Major in an Infantry Battalion. At the time of his retirement, following 33 years active-duty service with the National Guard, he was Command Sergeant Major of the Montana Regional Training Institute. He has also spent years working in the State Headquarters in the J5/J7 shop, coordinating the Partnership for Peace Program for the Montana Army National Guard. In that role he facilitated cooperation between the Montana Army National Guard and various countries around the world developing military relationships and good will.

Will was an adventurous spirit and could often be found on his motorcycle or snowmobile enjoying various parts of Montana. He was a founder and president of the Lost Soldiers Motorcycle Club and enjoyed his friendships within that group.

Will was a person that was engaging and interested in others. He enjoyed mentoring others and helping them to find the best in themselves. He was loved and respected by so many throughout the world that his absence is a tragedy to us all.  His ashes will be spread throughout many of the places he cherished and loved.  The honor walk and organ donation was his last act of civil service.  He was able to donate both kidneys and multiple pieces of his heart.

He is survived by his loving wife Sarah of Clancy, MT; mother Nona Walker of Darby; father Donald Frank of Coeur D’ Alene, ID.; father Clarence Ferguson of Darby; father Pat Frawley of Helena; sister Wendy (Chris) Martin and their sons, William, Eli and Ben Martin all of Darby; sister Hanna Frawley and Michael Robillard and their son Oliver Robillard all of Helena; brothers, Mark Ferguson of Hamilton and Matt Ferguson of Richmond, VA.

At this time no public services are scheduled.