Franklin E. Chickering, 74, of Whitewood, SD passed away September 2, 2012 at Avera McKenna Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Frank was born on July 23, 1938, in Brandon, VT, to Alice (Osmer) and Franklin B. Chickering.

He grew up in Auburn, MA, with his mother, Alice; brother, Kenney; and sister, Alice Mae. When Frank was six years old he lost his dad during World War II.

He graduated from high school and worked on various farms in the area. He later became a truck driver for Teamsters Union Local 170 in Worcester, MA.

He married Dorothy Conway in 1962, and they had four children, Mary, Steven, Walter, and Lynn Ann. They were later divorced, and Frank continued his work with the teamsters union.

Frank met Carol later while she was on active duty in the Air Force. They enjoyed many years of camping, going to Maine on vacations and traveling; as well as spending time with Frank's children, and Carol's two daughters Cheryl and Jana.
Frank always enjoyed hunting, fishing, family, friends, and good food. He was a life member of the Century Sportsman Club in Auburn, MA. He was also self-employed for a time cutting and selling fire wood.

Frank retired from the Teamsters Union in 1999 due to health reasons. Carol had already retired from the Air Force in 1993. Frank and Carol were married on February 14, 1999, and moved to Whitewood shortly after. Falling in love with the Black Hills was very easy for both of them. They continued camping, hunting, fishing, attending rodeos and other activities. Frank enjoyed the friends he made here and always looked forward to church on Sunday.

Thankful for sharing Frank's life are his wife, Carol; his four children, Mary (Kevin) Murphy of Windermere, FL, Stephen (Melanie) Chickering of W. Brookfield, MA, Walter (Amy) Chickering, Bellingham, MA, and Lynn Ann (Eddie) Marcelonis; sister, Alice Mae (John) Hamilton of Aliquippa, PA; eleven grandchildren; and Carol's daughters, and granddaughter Cheryl, Jana, and Jessie.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Alice; brother, Kenneth; and infant daughter, Maurene.

Memorial service will be held Monday, September 10, 2012, at the Presbyterian Church in Whitewood with Pastor Steve Agan officiating.

Inurnment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery with a lunch reception following at the Whitewood Sr. Citizen Center.

A memorial has been established to the Whitewood Volunteer Fire Department and the Whitewood Presbyterian Church.