Robert Harold Frankenberry
Robert “Bob” Harold Frankenberry, born on February 19, 1949, passed away peacefully at his home in Inwood, West Virginia, on August 20, 2024, under the loving care of his devoted wife of 53 years, Barbara McDonald Frankenberry, and Hospice of the Panhandle.
Bob is also survived by his daughter Jan Frankenberry Chancey (husband James); his son Ryan Frankenberry (wife Gretchen); his cherished grandchildren, Conner and Regan Chancey, and Julia and Thatcher Frankenberry; his sister Nancy Meyers; mother-in-law Peggy “June” McDonald; siblings-in-law Barbi and Denny Saturnino, Brenda and Carl Pruett, Barry McDonald, Bonnie McDonald; as well as nieces and nephews, including Todd Frankenberry (wife Joanna), Deb Frankenberry, Matthew Hilt, Megan Campbell (husband Tom), Lindsey Levinthal (husband Joseph), Brooke Shelton, Jamie McDonald, Haley McDonald Thompson (husband David) , Ian McDonald, and Johnathan Pruett, and numerous beloved cousins.
“Bobby” grew up on Moler Avenue in Martinsburg, where he and his siblings developed a close bond with the neighborhood children. He attended Hoogie Street School, Martinsburg North Junior High School, and graduated from Martinsburg High School in 1967 while also working at Peoples Drug Store. After attending West Virginia University for a short time, Bob returned home and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Shepherd College in 1972. He later achieved a Master’s in Business Administration from Shenandoah University in 1981.
Bob had a distinguished career, working first at DuPont in several capacities, then as an accountant at Barber, Drunagle & Renner Accounting Firm in Winchester, as well as the Abex Corporation. He later served as the treasurer of the Berkeley County School Board of Education before completing his career at the 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard in Martinsburg, WV.
A proud American, Bob graduated from college and immediately attended the United States Air Force Officer Training School in Lackland, Texas, where he was in the leadership studies program. Bob served as a traditional guardsman for a number of years, but when the opportunity arose for him to lead the communication flight at the 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard full-time, he was honored to do so. He and his flight supported the U.S. military during the Persian Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. In 2002, after 30 years and 9 months of service to his country, Bob retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and then became actively involved in the Retirees Association. He also joined American Legion Post 14.
A man of faith and service, Bob was an active member of Arden United Methodist Church until his stroke on December 4, 2019. He taught and participated in the Fellowship Sunday School Class, volunteered as an usher, and proudly served on the Board of Trustees, particularly during the building of the church’s Family Life Center.
Although involved in Boy Scouts in his youth, Bob’s commitment to his community was exemplified through his roles in 4-H. He served as co-leader of the Arden 4-H Club with Barby, President of the Berkeley County 4-H Leaders Association, Dean of Men at Tri-County Younger 4-H Camp, tabulator for the Miss Berkeley County Youth Fair Contest, and chairperson of Self-Determined projects at the Youth Fair. He also played a key role in bringing the livestock sale at the Youth Fair into the computer age. Due to his service to the 4-H program, Bob was tapped as a 4-H All Star in 1996 and rose through the ranks to Chief of the WV 4-H All Stars.
Bob’s blood ran green, as demonstrated through his involvement in the South Berkeley community and his love of Musselman High School. He was named Honorary Mayor of South Berkeley County for the community’s Christmas festivities and was nominated as a Pillar of South Berkeley. Bob was honored for his contributions to sports as a member of the Musselman High School Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing his many years as a scoreboard operator for football and basketball games. During his children’s youth, he volunteered as a coach for numerous sports. He continued his involvement in athletics as a WVSSAC Track & Field Official and football clock operator for Shepherd University. He served on the Berkeley County Fire Board, was a member of the Adam Stephens Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and served as president of the South Berkeley Jaycees. For many years, he assisted his father-in-law and uncle in putting on firework displays for the people of Berkeley County. He eventually became a licensed pyrotechnician, continuing the tradition and volunteering his services for other shows.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Louise Frankenberry; brother, Dick Frankenberry; and in-laws Harold and Betty Bealman, William “Bill” McDonald, Larry Meyers, Peggy Frankenberry Judd, and Jena McDonald.
Bob’s life was a testament to his dedication to his family, community, and country. His legacy of service and kindness will be remembered by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Bob to Arden United Methodist Church (4464 Arden Nollville Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25403), Hospice of the Panhandle (330 Hospice Ln, Kearneysville, WV 25430) or Berkeley County 4-H Leaders Association (750 Baltimore St Suite 102, Martinsburg, WV 25401).
Services for Robert “Bob” Harold Frankenberry are being handled by Brown Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Friday, August 30th, from 5-8 p.m. at the South Berkeley Chapel. On Saturday, August 31st, the family will have visitation at 10:00 a.m. with the service following at 11:00 a.m. at Arden United Methodist Church (4464 Arden Nollville Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25403). Interment will follow, accompanied by food and fellowship in the church’s Family Life Center.
Online condolences may be offered at www.Brown FuneralHomesWV.com.