United States Air Force Colonel (Retired) Francis L. Kapp, born January 28, 1944, in Winthrop, MA, went to be with the Lord on June 2, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

Frank was a graduate of Izmir High School, Izmir, Turkey and then received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Clemson University, Clemson, SC, in 1967. At Clemson he was proud to be a member and Regiment Commander of the 4th Regiment Pershing Rifles Company C-4. He later furthered his education by earning his Master of Science degree in Systems Management from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX, in 1976.

Frank entered the United States Air Force in 1967 and completed pilot training in 1968 at Craig AFB in Selma, AL, where he met his wife, Helen. He proudly served his country for twenty-seven years. Frank served as a Special Operations aviator at Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand from November 1972-December 1973. Upon his return, he was assigned to Randolph AFB, TX as an undergraduate pilot training instructional program developer. Over the following years his many assignments included Headquarters USAF in Washington, DC; Columbus AFB, MS; USAF Recruiting Squadron in Arlington, TX; Mather AFB, CA; Lowry AFB, CO; and another assignment to Randolph AFB, TX. His final active- duty assignment was at Keesler AFB, MS. Out of all of his flying and leadership positions in the Air Force, he was especially proud to have been selected to command the 3544th USAF Recruiting Squadron in Arlington, TX.

Frank was a command pilot with more than 2600 flying hours. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster.

Following his retirement from active duty, Frank was instrumental in opening and leading the Junior ROTC program at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, SC. He ran the program for four years before moving back to Schertz, TX, where he opened his own business assembling military shadowboxes and flag cases for veterans and their families. In 2012 he sold the business and retired for good.

Frank stayed very active in the local military community and belonged to several organizations, including the Air and Space Forces Association, the Order of Daedalians, the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, the Ye Anciente and Secret Order of Quiet Birdmen, the Friends of the Ravens, and the American Legion. He also loved to mentor and socialize with the young pilots at Randolph AFB. Other hobbies included reading, hunting, and spending time with friends and family.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Lt. Col Francis Kapp (Air Force, Retired) and Maria L. Kapp of Greenville, SC. Also, by his father and mother-in-law, Jerry B. Hatfield, Sr. and Idell O. Hatfield, of Selma, AL. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Helen Hatfield Kapp; sons Frank B. Kapp and Lt. Col (Ret.) Christopher S. Kapp (Heather); grandchildren Kelly B. Kapp, Sara M. Kapp, Everett F. Kapp, and Katie E. Kapp; siblings Marjorie M. Cleveland (Ronald), Richard H. Kapp (Karen M.), Donald F. Kapp, and Frederick M. Kapp (Karen B.). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and other extended family.

Frank will be fondly remembered by all for his quick wit and sense of humor, strong commitment to the military, and his unwavering love and devotion for his wife and family. His legacy will continue through the impact he had on everyone lucky enough to know him.

A visitation will be held at Schertz Funeral Home on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM, followed by a rosary to begin at 7:00 PM. Services will be held the following day, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM with the service to begin at 12:00 PM, also at Schertz Funeral Home. The service will be followed by burial at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:00 PM with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make a donation to a charity of your choice.