Frank Ray Stidham was born December 19, 1943 in Shreveport, LA to George W. and Eleanor (Jennings) Stidham, who preceded him in death. The family relocated to Oklahoma when Frank was very young. His father raised cattle at the Barwood Stock Farm, a rural area of Tulsa then, located about 91st and Memorial. Frank grew up working around farming, bailing hay and cultivating crops and enjoyed farming.

He graduated from Tulsa's Union High School in 1962. One of Frank's first jobs was with National Trailer Convoy where he hauled and set up mobile homes. He then worked at Broken Arrow Tractor. Frank's mechanic skills were useful as well in his own businesses, Broken Arrow Lawn and Garden and later Wagoner Trailer. The couple moved to Wagoner in 1981.

He had a more than twenty year career as an over the road truck driver for North American Van. Frank was able to visit 48 states as well as Canada. He enjoyed sharing those places with his wife, Jean, as they travelled together. In his early years Frank enjoyed deer hunting and fishing with his son, Mike.

Frank departed this life Sunday morning, July 30, 2017, in Tulsa, OK at the age of 73. Survivors include his loving wife, Jean, whom he married May 11, 1968; a son and daughter-in-law, Micheal "Mike" and Barbara Stidham of Wagoner, OK; a daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Paul Frescaz of Catoosa, OK; two granddaughters, Lisa Brown and husband, Lee of Catoosa, OK and Stacia Salmon of Haskell, OK; three great-grandchildren, Maycie Brown and Gunner Brown, both of Catoosa, OK and Lailanna Salmon of Haskell, OK; five siblings and their spouses, George and Frances Stidham of Haskell, OK, Donna and Gary Craig of Houston, TX, Tom and Phyllis Stidham of Leonard, OK and Martha and Tom Hutton of Okemah, OK; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory in Wagoner.

The graveside funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Bennett Addition of Elmwood Cemetery in Wagoner, OK. The Reverend Will Smith will officiate.