Frank Treadway

TREADWAY, Frank, age 96, of Centerville, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, January 17, 2019. He was born June 26, 1922 to the late William “Garfield” and Lessie (Williams) Treadway in Fork Ridge, Tennessee. One of 12 children, Frank grew up in a loving, active family in Middlesboro, Kentucky. After serving in the Navy during WW II he moved to Dayton, Ohio with his new bride, Inez (Wilson).

Frank graduated from high school via night school in Dayton in 1963, following a break in his formal education since fourth grade. He loved learning, both formal and experiential, throughout his life. In his youth Frank helped his family in many business endeavors, including setting up a store, building a house, trading and bartering, transporting goods, and always farming. As a teenager Frank worked as a caddy at the Middlesboro Golf Course, developing his skills and a love for the game of golf. Frank later worked 35 years for NCR in Dayton, Ohio. There he worked assembling cash registers, then in quality control as final inspector, and as technology evolved, in the micro-electronics division. He welcomed change as a challenge and an opportunity to grow throughout his life. Frank learned to plow and work the earth from a young age with a mule named Sal.

Farming became a passion for the rest of his life. In 1969 his greatest business success commenced when he and Inez founded Treadway Gardens and developed it into a thriving Centerville farm market. He worked hard growing produce and keeping bees for honey, all to sell to the community. The whole family helped and benefitted from the garden. Many customers became good friends as the business grew. The garden market was first located on the south side of Nutt Road, but had to relocate to the north side when the property sold and a house was built there. A few years later the owner of the new property decided to build houses, too. So Treadway Gardens moved to Dayton – Lebanon Pike where it is now located. Frank said he started growing houses and had to keep moving.

Frank was proud of his military service in the U.S. Navy during WW II. He served as Quartermaster 3rd Class at the helm of the U.S.S. Kyne. In 1944 the Destroyer Escort Kyne left Los Angeles to join the Pacific Fleet as an escort ship filled with troops and supplies. The Kyne received six battle stars during WWII. As helmsman Frank steered the DE and controlled its course during battles, routine transports, and typhoons. Near the end of the war its course was to Tokyo Bay. After the dropping of the two A- bombs meant to initiate Japan’s surrender, the United States wasn’t sure Japan would admit defeat. U.S. Command sent in two small ships to see if Japan would fire, one being the U.S.S. Kyne (Frank’s ship!) As history tells us Japan did surrender and the ships lowered their battle flags as surrender terms were being signed on board the battleship U.S.S. Missouri. Frank and many other brave veterans returned home to resume their lives.

Frank and Inez were married in July of 1946, and shared their lives for over 70 years. In her later years Inez suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and Frank patiently helped care for her and kept her engaged in social activities until her death in 2017. They shared a special love and raised a large family together. They loved music and sang together from beginning to end of their long marriage. Frank played his guitar and their voices harmonized beautifully. Frank experienced the loving Grace of Jesus and committed himself to follow in His steps. This brought peace to his soul and joy to his heart.

Frank is survived by his sister, Nancy Willis (William); Seven Children: Yuvonna Hawkins (William), Robert (Marcia) Treadway, Jerry “Mike” (Marcia) Treadway, Theresa Butts (Howard), Janet Treadway, Jeffrey (Judy) Treadway, Stephanie Treadway; 21 Grandchildren, 21 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great, Great Grandson; Many extended relatives including in-laws, nieces, nephews, etc. plus many friends from Morning Star Church, Musician friends from Payne Center and St. Leonard’s, MacDonald’s morning pals, garden customers, farming friends, bee keepers, etc.

Frank will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, farmer, merchant, musician and a proud patriot and Navy Veteran. He will continue to inspire his family and friends through our memories of his lessons, integrity, devotion, and love.

Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Routsong Funeral Home on Main Street in Centerville, OH 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Morningstar Church on Nutt Rd. in Washington Township, OH.

The family would like to express our deep appreciation to Hospice of the Miami Valley for their help and care. We also send a Thank-you to Robin and Vickie, special friends and care-givers. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.