Frank M. Tuggle, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away on May 15, 2017. He was 76 years old.

Frank was born in Kansas City, Missouri on to Pat and Lorena Tuggle. An avid American history buff, Frank believed that the study of history was an important outlet to inform citizenship, develop critical thinking skills, and understand how the moments that defined this great nation actually impact our daily lives. His passion inspired him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Central Missouri State College in 1963. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree from Central Missouri State College in 1967. During both his high school years in Hamilton, Missouri as well as in college at Warrensburg, Missouri, Frank participated in the men’s athletics programs. He was a standout football player for both the Hornets and the Mules.

Upon graduation, Frank ventured to Cheyenne, Wyoming for a teaching position with Laramie County School District #1. He made Cheyenne his home and for 30 years faithfully taught American history to students at both East High School and Central High School. Athletics continued to play a large part in his life as Frank coached football at both East and Central during the late 1970s. One of the most powerful testaments to Frank’s impact on his former students and athletes is that a large number of them continued to stay in contact with him until his passing.

The importance of family was the hallmark of Frank’s character. Watching young people grow into strong and independent persons, have families of their own, and work hard to achieve their dreams – that was the success story of his life. Frank’s family will miss his keen (but often irreverent) sense of humor, his impersonations (Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, the Three Little Pigs, and so many more), and his enthusiastic reading of all seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia for a little girl who simply loved bonding with her father. His impeccable gardening advice was always validated by the greenest, most luscious looking lawn on the neighborhood block. He spent long hours tending to his beloved home: weeding, mulching, planting, and desperately trying every method to keep the squirrels out of the buckeye tree! His leaving a cold drink or surprise treat for an overworked garbage collector are reminders of his kindness to persons of all walks of life.

Frank was preceded in death by his father, Pat Tuggle; his mother, Lorena Tuggle; and his loving and faithful wife, Kathy Tuggle. He is survived by a daughter, Erin Dempsey (Don) of Falls Church, VA; a devoted brother, John Tuggle (Valerie) of Hoisington, KS; nephews, Chad and Casey Tuggle of Hoisington, KS; and a treasured cousin, Linda Tuggle Baker (Jim) of Hamilton, MO.

Everyone who remembers Frank is asked to celebrate his life in their own way, raising a glass of their favorite drink in his memory would be quite appropriate. Instead of flowers, Frank would hope that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for another person. You may also donate to The Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), or Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org).

In keeping with Frank’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Cremation is under the care of Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home.

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