Herman "Frank" Mcelwee, Jr. (Lansing)

Herman McElwee Jr. was born September 26, 1949 in Grand Rapids Michigan to the union of Herman Sr and Helen McElwee. Family and friends may know Herman as Frank. Frank dedicated his life to family and working. He attended South High School where he met Essie Lee Daniel(Pat) his high school sweetheart who coincidently shared the same birthdate. Due to South High School closing, he attended Creston High School where he graduated in 1969. Following graduation, he married Pat in November of 1969. Playing basketball for these high schools as well as enjoying playing recreational leagues was his passion. Frank was offered multiple scholarships from different colleges out of state. He attended Grand Rapids Community College for 2 years. Frank began working at Meijer Warehouse and relocated to Lansing in 1974. Pat and Frank separated their union in 1978. Frank continued to support himself by working and in 1980 he met Tracie June Crockett. In 1982 Frank and Tracie June Crockett was joined in union. Everyone in the family enjoyed spending quality time with them at their home to get a great home cooked meal, laughter and love. After 20 years of marriage Tracie & Frank separated their union.

As an Alpha male, Frank worked multiple jobs throughout the years to support his family including Red Lobster, Lansing State Journal, Total Gas Station, he began his career at Atmosphere Annealing as a furnace operator in September 1991 to December 2010 where he retired with 20 years of dedicated service. Frank was never a type of person to not have employment, he originally began working at Rally’s Hamburgers in 1993 where he worked up to date. He was dedicated for 23 years of service and was one of the first employees of this franchise when it was built.

Frank was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD) in 1997. During this time, he was committed to doing dialysis and living a healthier lifestyle. He gained a family within his Fresenius Kidney Care Center. For over 20 years, the Fresenius staff were devoted to maintaining his health and a personal relationship with Frank. Christianity and gaining a relationship with the Lord was a priority to Frank. Frank rededicated his life to the Lord in 2016 at Greater Apostolic Temple under Pastor Albert Robinson. He was baptized on May 2016. Frank enjoyed Elder Clyde Powell’s singing and hearing the word of God.
Frank enjoyed relaxing in his Hammock, skating, fishing, spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed baking his Aunt Vera’s famous pound cake for family and friends. He was very particular about his lawn care, maintaining his home, plants, and flowers. The Spartans were his favorite college team to support. Michael Jordan was his ultimate favorite basketball player. It was crucial to him to play his daily lottery numbers, as well as watching his favorite shows Cops, Dallas, Blue Bloods, and Friends. His legacy instilled hard work, dedication, love, honesty and trust. Frank was a true family man.

Frank left his earthly home on the eve of Tuesday July 18, 2017. He was preceded in his homegoing by his father and mother Herman McElwee Sr. and Helen Walker McElwee; sister Florence Alexander; brother Lester (Elenor) James; aunt Vera(Thomas) Bell; granddaughter Mirical Rankin. He leaves to cherish his memories: five daughters First Lady Nichole (Bishop Melvin) Jorden of Grand Rapids, Isis Crockett of Lansing, Wykeia McElwee of Lansing, Sergeant Sharita Davidson of Lansing, Corrections Officer Quatica McElwee of Lansing; eight grandchildren: Gabriel Jorden, Laessa Jorden, Celeste Jorden, La’Niyah Davidson, Da’Naisha Lake, Alaya Rankin, Galileo Rankin, Jace McElwee-VanAlstine. Two brothers and one sister: Arlene (Judy) McElwee of Grand Rapids, Sherman (Terri) McElwee of Grand Rapids, David (Mary) McElwee of Port Huron.