Frank Semelka, Sr.

Frank Semelka Sr. of Sheridan, Arkansas was born December 18, 1919 in Prague, Arkansas The son of the late Anton and Louise Semelka. He was a member of Rhoden Hunting Club and was an avid outdoorsman. He had served 20 years in the United States Navy as a Chief Petty Officer Engineman and was a Veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. After a brief stint as a logger, he retired from the Pine Bluff Arsenal with 20 years of service. He was known for growing the "best" tomatoes in Grant County. Mr. Semelka was called home on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at his home at the age of 90. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Belle Hardin Semelka, a son-in-law, Bob Yancey, brothers, Louie Smith and Anton "Tony" Semelka; sisters, Helen McGinnis and Margie Brent and a step granddaughter, Kelly Yancey. Survivors: sons, Frank Semelka Jr. and wife Linda of Sheridan; David Semelka and wife Liz of Sheridan; Mark Semelka of Sheridan; daughters, Laura Yancey of Sheridan; Scarlett Ellerbrook and husband Billy of Jonesboro; sister, Ella Bell and nephew, Richard Phillips both of South Carolina; brother-in-law, John "Willie Lee" Hardin of Sheridan; grandchildren, Anthony and Timothy Semelka, Chris and Matthew Yancey, Magan and Brandon Semelka; step-grandchildren, Karla Fulmer and Kim Yancey, step-great-grandchildren, Kayla Fulmer and Katherine Yancey and a step-great-grea-granddaughter, Aubrey Pierce and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Anthony Semelka and Bro. Shawn Hill officiating. Burial will follow at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan with full military honors. Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, #2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Eddie Moring, Shelby Taylor, Calvin Blake, Driscoll Hardin, Daryl Brakebill and Billy Joe Rundell. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guestbook, www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.