Frank Joseph Whisenant, a retired dairy farmer for over thirty years in Alford, Mass. died in Titusville, Fla. on Oct. 4, 2025. He was 99.

He was born in Tarrytown, N.Y. on June 3, 1926 to Ernest J. Des Champs and Loretta E. Hopps. He was later adopted by his stepfather, Dr. John R. Whisenant and his name was changed to what it is today. He often talked about his childhood years in Tarrytown where he lived with his parents and extended family all of whom he spoke of fondly. 

He graduated from Washington Irving High School in Tarrytown, N.Y.  He had enlisted in the US Navy at 17, turned 18 in June, 1944 and immediately after graduation reported to Gulf Port, Mississippi where he would start his WWII military service. He served in the Pacific for two years on the minesweeper, USS Concise (AM-163).  He did not talk of his military service until he was in his late sixties.  At that time in his life, he believed that his story and that of WWII needed to be shared so that we would remember the sacrifices made by so many before us.

After his service, Frank entered the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at what is now the University of Massachusetts.  He graduated with an Associates Degree in Animal Husbandry in 1949. He went on to build the barn that would house his beloved cows, naming each and every one of them, harvesting the trees from his land, milling them in his sawmill and pouring the cement from the hand mixer that he owned.  He later doubled the size of his herd, built a free stall barn and was milking 100 cows when he retired in 1978.

Although his life as a dairy farmer was a demanding one, he found time for his family and community.  He earned awards such as Outstanding Young Farmer State. He was involved in conservation on many levels as well as becoming Alford's first fire chief.  He found time to introduce his three daughters to skiing, swimming, hunting, sailing, fishing and travel.  He became a ski instructor in his sixties believing that you are never too old to try something new. He survived the war and more injuries as a farmer than one can count but he lived life to the fullest.

Frank was known as a storyteller and surely had many to tell. His stories would include life as a dairy farmer, sailor, skier, hunter, traveler and citizen of the United States.  Many of those who listened would find themselves not agreeing with his political views as a member of the Republican Party, but most would respect him for them.  He was not a tall man by any means, but he certainly stood tall and honorable his entire life.

Frank had hoped to reach one hundred years but it was not meant to be.  He leaves his sister, Lucy Akers, Maricopa, Ariz, his three daughters, Amy Whisenant, who devoted the last six years of her life helping him live as independently as possible to stay in his home in Titusville, Betsy W. Rudigoz, of Tetonia, ID, and Susan W. Chilson of North Adams, Mass, three grandchildren Amanda W. Chilson (Joshua Moran) and Sara Q. Moulton(Jim) of North Adams, Mass, Franck G. Rudigoz of Tetonia, ID and five great grandchildren, Race and Kitt Chilmor, Abby, Weston and Cru Moulton.