Franklin Delano Voliva

Franklin Delano Voliva, 75 years, 5 months, and 13 days, passed on to be with his Lord and Savior on February 6, 2022 at Cox South Hospital in Springfield Missouri.  
Frank was born a twin on August 24, 1946 in Dahlgren, Illinois to James Richard Voliva and Susann C. (Fulkerson) Voliva.

He was the youngest of 6 children and grew up in the Dahlgren area.  He graduated from Dahlgren High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and shared many stories of memories he made with friends there. Frank served in the US Navy as a Seabee (MCB 11) during the Vietnam War.  He loved his country and his God.  His loving wife prayerfully watched for his return from war. In 1970 the couple moved to Ava MO where they made their life together.  Frank worked as a carpenter, building many homes in the community.  He later retired as a correctional officer for the state of Missouri.  Whether with a hammer or with his advice he was always reaching out to build relations and dreams.

On December 9, 1967 Frank and Chris (Crabb) Voliva were united in marriage at Granite City, Illinois.  Together they were blessed with three sons, Rick, Jim, and Paul.  He would often tell how proud he was of his family. Frank loved big and opened up his heart and home to many chosen family members as well.  They have called him Dad or Papa and he felt blessed to have them in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister, Martha Sue, and his four brothers: Charles, James, Jody, and William (Bill).
Frank is survived by his devoted wife Chris, his loving sons that he was so proud of; Rick and his wife Janell, Jim and his wife Cherry, Paul and his wife Jayme, all of Forsyth; his grandchildren Anthony, Cooper, Colton, Charleigh, and Carsyn; a host of chosen children/grandchildren; and a multitude of friends!

​Funeral services for Frank will be Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Destination Church, Ava, MO with burial following in the Ava Cemetery.  A visitation will be prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor James Hathcock with a live stream provided at https://www.facebook.com/avafamilyfuneralhome .  In lieu of flowers the family has asked donations be made to either the Destination Church, P.O. Box 1372, Ava MO 65608 or St. James General Baptist Church, 245 Santa Fe Drive, Forsyth MO 65653.
All services under the care of Ava Family Funeral Home.