Scottish Rite Express

Franklyn Wells Gilliland 32° KCCH Franklyn Wells Gilliland, 93, of Des Moines died Monday, March 23, 2015, in Altoona, IA.  Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28 at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul of which he was a lifetime member. Burial will be at the Masonic Cemetery.    Frank was born on June 4, 1921 to the late Charles and Abbie (Wells) Gilliland and grew up in Des Moines where he graduated from North High School. He went on to earn his BS degree in Architectural Engineering from Iowa State before serving in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant JG during World War II.  Following his service, Frank and Ida Lorraine Higbee were married on July 19, 1947, and their family grew to be blessed by five daughters.  Throughout his life, Frank remained a loyal Iowa State alumnus and supporter of all Iowa State athletics. Frank was a member of the Capitol Lodge No. 110, Des Moines Scottish Rite Bodies, Za Ga Zig Shrine, and the Eastern Star Chapter 89. He loved to sing and was in the Shrine Chanters and Double Eagle Chorus for many years. He was a recipient of the Grand Cross of Color from the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.  Frank joined Des Moines Consistory in 1959 and received the KCCH in 1985. Those left to cherish Frank's memory include his five daughters, Jeanne Andrews of Houston, TX, Marcia (Mel) Bancroft of Des Moines, Sandra (Nelson) Kraschel of Clear Lake, IA, Carole (Tom) Seibert of Marietta, GA, and Joanne (Tom) Dixon of Eagan, MN. His legacy continues through his 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren including: Angela Hild with her husband, Joey, and their three children; Michael Andrews; Matthew Andrews with his wife, Heather and his three sons; Mark Bancroft with his wife, Leah, and their two sons; Morgan Merical with her husband, Kyle, and their two sons; James Kraschel; Kate Kraschel; Elizabeth Kraschel; Christopher Seibert with his wife, Stephanie, and their three children; Nicholas Seibert with his wife, Rachelle, and their two sons; Samuel Seibert with his wife, Felicia; Emily Seibert; Joseph Seibert with his wife, Stephanie; Abbie Seibert; Jennifer Dixon; and Michael Dixon. He is also survived by his niece, Lee Heathorn and nephew, Bill Eckard. Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ida and sister, Betty Eckard. Sincerely and Fraternally, Shane A. Harshbarger, 33° Secretary/Registrar