Franklin Clyde Sweet Jr.

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our dad, Franklin Clyde Sweet, Jr. aged seventy-eight years and two months. Frank left this earth Thursday July 10, 2025.

Frank was the second of eight children born to Franklin and Francine (Ledward) Sweet Moen on April 24, 1947 in Libby, Montana. Frank grew up in the mountains of Libby and often told stories of his hikes and adventures. He graduated from Libby High School in 1967. At that time, he received the call from his country to go and serve in the army and was sent to Vietnam. After returning to the states, he was on leave with a friend who was from Paola. While fishing, he met Virginia Gatlin. They married September 13, 1969 and made their home outside of Paola. There they raised their two children. Robin and Raymond. We had an amazing childhood filled with love and adventure. Dad always had time for us and he taught us the value of hard work and love of family.

Frank graduated from trade school in 1970 and spent his working years as an auto body repairman. He worked at various shops in the Paola area and retired about 2009. Retirement never slowed him down. During his early retirement years, Frank continued to work on cars. His entire life, Frank was an avid gardener and shared his garden bounty with others. Frank enjoyed mowing and was often on his mower mowing numerous yards for people he cared about. In his later years, Frank bought a boat and took up fishing. If he called you, he was probably on the boat.

Virginia passed away on April 15, 2015, ending their 45 years of marriage. Frank later met Janice Hanson and they joined their lives together on April 6, 2019.

Frank’s greatest love was his family. He always put his wife first, whether it was Virginia or Janice. His love for them was clear in how he spoke about them. And he loved his children, there is no doubt about that. Spending time with his grandsons, Mark Sams and Trever Sweet was a highlight. When his great-grandsons, Augusta and Joseph Clyde Sams arrived, they always brought a twinkle to his blue eyes. He would grab them up and hug them tightly. Frank leaves a legacy of love spanning three generations.

Frank was also a good friend. He was often helping others and no one knew about his kindness but those who benefited from his help.

Surviving Frank is his wife Janice, of the home, his son Raymond (Jessica) Sweet of Paola, Kansas. His daughter Robin (Jamie) McClain of Niangua, Missouri. His grandson, Trever Sweet of Paola, Kansas. His eldest grandson Mark Sams of Hartville, Missouri. And his two great-grandsons, Augusta and Joseph Clyde of Hartville, Missouri. Also surviving him are his siblings, Walter Sweet, Elsie Kinden, and Alex (Gayla) Sweet all residing in Libby, Montana. Charlotte Helvie of Huntington, Indiana and Richard Sweet of Deer Lodge, Montana. Step- Rebekah, Philip, Leslie, and Georgia.

Preceding him in death is his wife, Virginia Sweet, his parents, Frank and Francine Sweet Moen, his sister Wanda Sweet, and brother Jim Sweet.

Visitation will be Tuesday, 10 am, July 15 with funeral service following at 11am at the Dengel and Son Paola Chapel, burial will be at the Somerset Cemetery..