William Franklin “Frank” Sickels

William Franklin “Frank” Sickels, 81, of Manila, passed from this life Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at his home. Born in Manila, he was the son of the late Herman and Hettie Wortham Sickels and was a longtime Manila resident. He was a 1962 graduate of Augusta High School and a 1992 graduate of Cotton Boll HVAC. He was a longtime sales associate at Barton’s until his retirement in 2002, he had also worked for McDonald Douglas Air Company in St. Louis, Mo. Frank enjoyed reading his Bible and spending time with his family. His last words to his family were, “Now that everybody is together, the films and movies about the Bible are not accurate, the Bible is the only way.” In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Bryan Sickels; son-in-law, Joey Shilharvey; daughter, Shawna Sickels Meherg; and grandson, Matthew Iliff.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Sandra Joyce Smith Sickels of the home; one son, Joey Meherg of Manila; three daughters, Coni Strader (Chris 1) of Sulphur Rock, Tonia Shilharvey and Angelina Ashabranner (Chris 2), both of Manila; one sister, Sherri Davis (William) of Manila. Frank also leaves 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren with one more on the way; and three nephews.

Memorial service will be 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with Reverend Mark Wheeler officiating. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.