Franklin W, “Frank” Costner Obituary (1926 - 2016)

Franklin W. "Frank" Costner, 90, of Gainesville, passed away May 8, 2016. Mr. Costner was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on February 22, 1926. After graduation from Catholic High School, he enrolled in Chattanooga University for his undergraduate studies and had completed one year when he enlisted. He had a distinguished career in the service, completing 2 three year tours of duty. The first from 1944-1946. He held distinction, at that time, of graduating as the youngest Ensign in the USN at age 19. After his first tour of duty, Frank went back and finished his undergraduate studies at Chattanooga. He then enrolled at the University of Florida and completed his Master's Degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry in 1950. He subsequently enrolled in the Kansas City College of Osteopathy, but the US Navy called him back when the Korean War began where he was stationed in the Mediterranean. He left the Navy in 1954 and went to work for Merck Sharp & Dohme as a hospital representative in Pittsburgh, PA. He held positions of increasing responsibility and retired as VP of Sales in 1987 after 33 years of faithful service. Frank loved to golf and travel, and did both as long as he could. He also loved seeing his grandchildren and made sure they gathered all together at least once a year. Frank is survived by his wife of 27 years, Linda Henschel Costner, his children Leslie Anne and Michael Lettera of Kansas City, MO., Lisa Marie Costner of Pickerington, OH., and Laura Lee and Brian Frisone of Powell, OH., his grandchildren, Emma, Anthony and Anna Lettera, Alex and Nick Urbanski, Olivia and Giovanna Frisone, a sister Rosemary Cooper of Memphis, TN. Mr. Costner was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Jacob and Catharine Costello Costner, and a sister, Mary Lourdes Tansey. Memorial Services will be at a later date. In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the " Dr. Perry A. Foote Eminent Scholar Chair Fund " at the UF College of Pharmacy. These can be mailed to the College of Pharmacy at P.O. Box 103570 Gainesville, FL. 32610. Please indicate the memorial gift in the memo line.