How many people can say they’ve flown private planes for five Governors? Well, Frank Stanfield, a resident at Morning Pointe of Frankfort Senior Living in Kentucky, can.
Frank was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on Aug. 5, 1928, to Frank and Novella Stanfield. He joined the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II, wanting to be like his uncle. He was 17 and went on to serve from 1945 to 1949 as an Aviation Machinist, running the aircraft controls. He was stationed in Hawaii, China, and Moffett Federal Airfield in California.
Once he discharged from the military, Frank went to work for Reynolds Metals Co in Louisville as a Tool and Die Maker, then an Engineer. Earning his pilot’s license, Frank went on to fly for the Kentucky Flying Service at Bowman Airfield in Louisville.
In 1966, Frank applied for a position as a Pilot for then-Governor of Kentucky Ned Breathitt and got the job, flying for him throughout the remainder of his term in office. When Louie Nunn became the next Governor, he kept Frank on.
Frank also flew for the next three Governors: Wendell Ford, Julian Carroll, and John Brown, Jr. Under Gov. Ford, Frank became the Chief Pilot and Director of Airport Services for Kentucky. And Under Gov. Carroll in the late 1970s, he had the experience of flying to Former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s ranch in Texas. He retired in the mid-1980s.
Frank had a farm of his own in Payneville, Kentucky, raising beef cattle, corn, and other crops. When he moved to Frankfort, he bought a smaller farm. In his family life, he was married for 38 years and had three children: Frank III, Sharon Joyce, and David.
His children are proud of Frank’s service as a Governor’s pilot and of his talent for woodworking. He used to make beautiful cabinets, end tables, entertainment centers, and more, some of which he and his family still use. Other hobbies of his included being part of the Kosair Motorcycle Corps of the Shriners in Louisville, as well as playing guitar and singing in a country band when he lived for several years in Tampa, Florida.
About eight or nine years ago, Frank had a stroke, and his daughter, Sharon, started to assist him. He moved back to Kentucky from Florida and moved into an independent living facility, where he lived until he fell in July 2023 and broke his femur. After that, he needed more assistance.
Sharon knew some ladies who had been at Morning Pointe of Frankfort, and they had good things to say about the community. She talked with the staff and decided this would be the best place for her dad. Frank moved in on July 26, 2023.
“I’m pretty well taken care of,” Frank said. “I like the food, and I like the aides. The staff have been wonderful.”
Sharon added, “We’ve been so happy with the physical therapy. When we brought him, he could just barely walk. Now, he’s lickety-split!”
Thank you for choosing to be part of our Morning Pointe family, Frank. We’re honored to have you with us!
