Franklin F. Eckhart *59

Frank died Dec. 18, 2020, in Edmond, Okla., after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born March 18, 1931, in Palmerton, Pa. The first in his family to attend high school and college, Frank entered the University of Michigan on an ROTC scholarship and graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering.

After college Frank served as a naval aviator, flying the S2F submarine hunter/killer during the Cold War. Upon fulfilling his military commitment, Frank attended Princeton and earned a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering in 1959.

Frank worked in Buffalo, N.Y., as a test pilot for the Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory (later known as Calspan). His efforts included early work on the space shuttle, working closely with future astronauts on developing in-flight simulation, particularly of the shuttle’s approach and landing capabilities. He simultaneously flew in the Air National Guard, where he retired at the rank of major. In the mid-1970s, Frank transitioned to a career in education, and was an associate professor at Oklahoma State University until his retirement.

Predeceased by his wife, Donna, Frank is survived by his children, Brian, Gale, Kevin, Scot, and Franklin Jr.; and 11 grandchildren.

Graduate alumni memorials are prepared by the APGA.