Frank "Popsie" Walraven

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 Mr.Emmett Franklin (Frank) “Popsie”_ Walraven, age 77 of Calhoun, died Monday, July 27th. at 4:00 P.M. at his residence after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born in Gordon County on June 22, 1932, the son of the late Emmett and Ida Brown Walraven. He was a lifelong resident of Gordon County and was an active and faithful member of the Calhoun First Baptist Church and the Faith Seekers Sunday Sunday_School Class and served as deacon. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was retired from the Georgia National Guard and U.S. Army after 43 years and 3 months of service. He was employed with Griffin Medical until August 2008. He was a graduate of Calhoun High School and attended North Georgia College. He was a former CHS football player from 1947-1949. His passion for Calhoun sports was a vital part of his life and he remained an avid and loyal Yellow Jacket supporter until death. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Kayanne Smith Walraven, a daughter and son-in-law; Valerie and Randy Jackson, two sons and daughters-in-law; George and Ginger Walraven and Grant and Julie Walraven, five grandchildren, Drew Walraven, Bart and his Wife Meagan Walraven, Rhett Jackson, and Macy and Lex Walraven, a sister and brother-in-law; Kathryn and Bill Mathis and a brother and sister-in-law Charles and Jeannie Walraven. Many nieces and nephews also survive him. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday July 29th. From the Calhoun First Baptist Church with Minister Frank Mills and Dr. Bert Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow in the Fain Cemetery with Jerry Smith and Eddie Lewis in charge of graveside rites. Pallbearers serving include Joe Campbell, Reed Davis, Ben Griffin, Gene Lanier, Eddie Lewis, Pete Lewis, Pruney McEntyre, Paul (Jud) McEntire, Fred Nesbitt and Jack Thornbrough and they are asked to meet at Thomas Fuenral Home at 2:30 P.M. Wednesday. Honorary pallbearers will be Coaches, Hal Lamb, Michael Davis and the Calhoun Football Coaching Staff, Faith Seekers Sunday Sunday_School Class, Dr. Max Parrott and Randall Fox and they are asked to meet at the Church at 2:45 P.M. Wednesday. The family will receive friends at the Calhoun First Baptist today Tuesday July 28th. from 5:00 until 9:00 P.M. The family requests that in addition to flowers contributions can be made to the Calhoun First Baptist Church,which he loved very much. Because of his love for Calhoun Football and his excitement about the artificial turf, donations can be made to the Calhoun Touchdown Club P.O. Box 728, Calhoun, Ga. 30703 You may sign the on line register book or express private condolences at WWW.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com. Thomas Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements for Mr. Frank Walraven.