Frank Martin Novotny

Frank Martin Novotny passed away peacefully with family by his side on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Parkland Manor in Prague. He was born on December 15, 1939, in Prague, Oklahoma to Charley and Jewel (Janota) Novotny.

Frank married Doris Goforth on June 3, 1961 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Prague, OK. Frank served as Doris' Godfather when she entered the Catholic Church a few days before they married.    

For 29 years, Frank worked at Tinker Air Force Base, where he was an integral member of a three-man smart team dedicated to solving complex maintenance challenges. As the team's painter, he collaborated closely with his teammates, who specialized in electrical and plumbing work, to ensure they could address a wide range of issues efficiently. In addition to his work at Tinker, Frank spent several years caring for the gardens at the Catholic Church in Prague, a position that reflected his respect for his community and faith. 

Frank was a man with strong Czech roots. He took great pride in being 100% Czech and enjoyed eating and sharing kolaches and klobásníks, which delighted his family and friends alike. 

Frank was a simple, good man who always supported those he loved. He was an avid beekeeper for many years and enjoyed learning about them and building hives. He was passionate about carpentry spending countless hours in his workshop, building and repairing things with skill and precision. A true handyman, there was hardly anything he couldn’t fix, and his ability to create extended to making rosaries that were generously donated to those in need.

Frank’s green thumb flourished in his vegetable garden. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, often working with his Kubota tractor. Frank had a love for animals all of his life. His day often started with milking a cow before school or work. As a child, Frank found an orphaned squirrel that he took care of for over a year. Martha the squirrel would even accompany him to school some days hiding in his pocket or under his hat. Eventually, he released Martha back to the wild and vowed to never shoot another squirrel ever again. 

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Jewel Novotny, sisters, Betty Ann Novotny, Dorothy Kroos, and Jane McGill, brothers, Jim Novotny and John Novotny and grandson, Brian Crawford. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Doris Novotny of Meeker, daughters, Anna Crawford and husband Kenneth of Shawnee, and Kay Pruitt and husband Jon of Shawnee, son, Michael Frank Novotny and wife Leslie of Newalla, grandchildren, Brad Crawford and wife MaryKathryn, Bryce Crawford, Ashley Chastain and husband Dustin, Megan Pruitt, MacKenzie Bernier and husband Camryn, Joey Novotny, and Jessica Novotny, seven great-grandchildren plus one on the way, and siblings, Louise Wilkerson, Nancy Cagle, Jean Quary, and Don Novotny. 

Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Parkland Manor of Prague and Luminos Hospice for taking such wonderful care of our loved one.

Frank's family will be present during a time of visitation on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Walker Funeral Service. A wake service and rosary will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 6:30 PM at St. Benedict Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Benedict with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.