Frank Mays

Frank L. Mays age 89 of Dade City, Florida formally of Rogers City, Michigan passed away peacefully on January 7, 2021 surrounded by family at Advent Health Hospital in Zephyrhills, Florida.

He was born November 24, 1931 in Rogers City, Michigan to Frank and Mary (Budnick) Mayes.

Frank married Veronica “Toodie” Derry on January 26, 1963, she preceded him in death in January of 1998. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Mayes and Lloyd Mayes.

Frank is survived by his children, Michael (Colleen) Vogler of Rogers City, Mark (Stephen Jacobson) Vogler of Minneapolis, MN, Frank Vogler of Brooklyn, NY, Eric (Donna) Mays of York, PA and Laine Mays of Tampa, FL; five grandchildren, Michael R. and Jacob Vogler of Rogers City, and Joshua, James and Jonah Mays of York, PA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Frank graduated from Rogers City High School in 1950. Prior to graduation he worked at Larke’s Drug Store.  Following graduation, he sailed for a short time on the Great Lakes and then enlisted into the United States Navy on February 21, 1951 where he served 4 years. After his military service he worked at various jobs in Waterloo, IA. He then moved back to Rogers City and returned to sailing on the Great Lakes taking the position of Deck Watchmen on the freighter Str CARL D. BRADLEY. On November 18, 1958, during a vicious storm on Lake Michigan, the CARL D. BRADLEY broke in half 12 miles south of Gull Island where he and 1st Mate Elmer Fleming were the only two survivors. Following the tragedy, he left sailing and took a job at Bruski Lumber in Posen. He then pursued a career at Portland Cement Manufacturing, working for Medusa Cement in Charlevoix, York, PA and then, Florida Mining and Materials in Brooksville, FL where is retired. After retirement he joined the Peace Corp in January of 2000 and served in the country of Moldova. On returning from the Peace Corp he started his around the world adventures. Frank visited many countries around the world including Spain, Italy, China, Germany, Russia, Australia, Cuba and many-many more. He had the pleasure of visiting 46 of our 50 United States. During the summers he would return to Michigan and give speeches on the tragedy of the CARL D. BRADLEY and did book signings on the two books that he co-authored titled “If We Make It ‘til Daylight” and “A Lot More To Do…”

Friends may visit at the Beck Funeral Home on Sunday, August 1st from 5-8 pm with the Rosary at 6:30 pm. Visitation will continue on Monday, August 2nd at St. Ignatius Catholic Church from 9 am until time of his memorial mass at 10 am with Fr. Rolando Silva officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery where the Rogers City VFW Post 607 will accord military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum, 367 North Third Street, Rogers City, Michigan 49779 or St. Ignatius Catholic School, 545 South Third Street, Rogers City, Michigan 49779