Frank Fyke was a servant to his country and his community, friends
and family said.Mr. Fyke was a farm boy in Carrollton when he
enlisted in the Army in 1940. He retired from the military 20 years
later as a lieutenant colonel. Mr. Fyke was wounded twice during his
service in the South Pacific Theater in World War II. He was a captain
leading his troops on a reconnaissance mission in the Philippines when a
gunshot wound in the arm took him out of combat, family members said.
Mr. Fyke’s military career was filled with honors and amazing
stories, family members said. During a battle in the Philippines, Mr.
Fyke risked his life to save fellow soldiers by driving a burning truck
filled with explosives away from the area, which was under attack.
"It was about to blow to smithereens, and he got the truck out of
there and saved countless lives," said Linda Fyke, his daughter-in-law.
Mr. Fyke, a longtime Fort Worth resident, died Tuesday. He was 91.
Family members say they expect Mr. Fyke’s war memoir to be
published soon. His military honors include the Silver Star, Bronze
Star, Army Commendation Medal and oak leaf cluster, and Purple Heart
medal and oak leaf cluster, family members said.
After retiring from the Army, Mr. Fyke continued his service to
the government as a liaison. In the 1960s, he was an Air Force plant
representative at General Dynamics in Fort Worth. He later served as the
Army Plant Representative Office’s administrative services chief at Bell
Helicopter Textron, where he retired in 1981.
Mr. Fyke and his wife of 63 years raised two children. He was an
active member of University Baptist Church in Fort Worth, where he
served as treasurer of the men’s Sunday school class and president of
the Crusaders class.
Those who knew him at church said he was a kind, caring man who
never dressed in less than a suit coat and tie.
"He was just a quiet, gracious, caring individual. Every time one
of the members of the Crusaders had an illness or problem, Frank was on
the phone with them, going by to see them, supporting them," said Ben
McLallen, who has known Mr. Fyke since the 1960s.
Linda Fyke said her father-in-law was also a servant in his Fort
Worth neighborhood.
"He took care of many people’s needs. He would often watch out for
people’s houses, water yards and help with chores. He was a hardworking,
diligent person who liked to serve in practical ways," she said.
Mr. Fyke is survived by his wife, Jeanette Barron Fyke; daughter,
Linda Fyke; son, Frank Fyke Jr.; three grandchildren; and several
great-grandchildren.
He will be buried today with military honors in a private cemetery
in Carrollton.
Submitted by Betty Swaim
Ft. Worth Star Telegram
Frank
Carden Fyke, 91, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, passed away peacefully
Tuesday morning, Oct. 28, 2008.
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