Frank Joseph Revere, Jr.

F.J. Revere came into this world a month early, at his parent's home on the farm, October 29, 1935. He was so small he fit in his dad’s palm. He was the only child of Frank and Stella Revere, and their pride and joy.

Even as a small child, F.J. knew that farming was where he belonged. Tractors fascinated him so much that at 2-3 years old, he would take every opportunity to run away from his mom, to get to his dad in the field. Even the yard fence topped with barbed wire didn't stop him.

F.J. had fond memories of starting school at Lower Big John, a one-room school. In 6th grade, he started going to school in Council Grove. In high school, he joined FFA, and it was quickly noticed he had a very sharp eye for livestock judging. No doubt this skill was honed by watching and helping his dad run cattle. He also participated in Glee Club and at least one memorable play.

F.J. grew up listening to his dad and friends talking about racing Model T's. Frank owned one with Chief Haucke, that got stolen during WWII. F.J. asked Hugo Haucke several times to let him restore his unique twin engine. Hugo believed it too far gone and would say no. Upon Hugo's death, Chief called F.J. and said to come get it. Right away F.J. came and embarked on a several decade’s journey of fixing and driving the "Twin Engine Racer." With the assistance of one of his best friends, it was running in time to drive in his senior year Homecoming parade.

Upon graduating high school, his parents insisted he go to K-State. He had wonderful memories of living in Manhattan with his cousin Ken and the classes he took there. It's also when his love of K-State football and basketball started. He was a season ticket holder for years.

After his freshman year, he told his parents he wasn't returning to college and started his own farming business. Several family friends entrusted their family's acreage to him, and he flourished along with the crops. Driving down the road you could tell where his fields started and ended due to how lovely they always looked. Before he retired, he farmed over 1500 acres. He was asked to accept several Conservation awards that he turned down before he finally was urged to accept one by his wife and daughter. He was proud to be the steward of his family's century land from both sides of the family. He also ran cattle and hogs.

When the local International Harvesters business closed, F.J. told his dad they ought to go into business. They already had Farmall and IH tractors. This launched a whole new business venture for the next 30 years that they took pride in.

F.J. planned to be a lifelong bachelor, until his mother's prayers were answered and he met the absolute love of his life, Beth. They were united in marriage June 19, 1976. He delighted introducing her as "his first wife." In March of 1979, daughter Anne was born to them. He didn't feel like he knew much about little girls, but no father could have been a better girl dad.

In between everything else going on, he found ways to give back to his community. He helped and participated in community events, he was a member of the Santa Fe Saddle Club and had fond memories of his time as a president. He was a proud Mason and Shriner for over 60 years. He served in the National Guard for 8 years, 8 months and 8 days. One of his favorite roles in the Guard was being a crane operator. He was a lifelong long member of the Council Grove Methodist Church, as his mom’s family had been since it was established. In the 2000s he fulfilled a lifetime passion to be a county commissioner. He served for 12 years with dedication. When his two grandsons, Matthew and Kristopher, were born, he took great pride and delight in being with them, following closely everything they did and filling his role as Poppa.

Although he was a lifelong resident of Morris County, never living more than 2 miles from the place of his birth, he enjoyed traveling and had gone many places. He always had a good story to tell from trips, his youth and stories passed down by family and friends. His sayings were legendary, referred to as "Revere-isms." He was a good neighbor and friend. He passed away peacefully, at home with family, September 11, 2025. He will be missed deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother in laws and sister in laws Jim Strawn and Phyllis Strawn Johnston, Steve Ferree, Peggy Carpenter and Leon Adamson, as well as most of his cousins and several friends that were like family.

He is survived by his wife Beth, daughter Anne and husband Phil Lawrence, grandsons Matthew and Kristopher Lawrence and sister-in-laws Kate Zon and Bobbie Adamson. He also leaves behind several cousins and many friends.

A Celebration of F.J.’s life will be held at 10:30, Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Council Grove United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The family will greet friends after the service.

Condolences may be left at www.sawyerchapel.com.