Frank Toby Pacheco

For 71 years there were 8 brothers and sisters. Tille died last year, and now Frank is gone too. Frank was conceived in Amalia, New Mexico, but was born in Monte Vista, Colorado on September 15, 1945 to Tobias and Casilda (Gallegos) Pacheco.

The family followed where farming jobs were, and Tobias found work on a dairy farm in Merino, Colorado in 1949. The family didn't have a lot of money, but they had plenty to eat and drink. It was here that Frank began first grade.

The family moved to Casper, Wyoming in 1954. Frank excelled in high school and joined the Casper boxing team. At 105 pounds he was as tough as Mighty Mouse and earned several medals and awards from around the state. Frank was expelled in the eleventh grade for fighting and decided to quit school and join the Navy. Because Frank was only 17, Tobias and Casilda had to sign the consent form that allowed Frank to join. Frank completed boot camp training in San Diego, California. Following boot camp, Frank was assigned to an oiler ship that refueled ships bound for Vietnam. Along with many service members, Frank was exposed to the herbicide, Agent Orange, the effects of which caused devastating diseases, including cancer. While on active duty Frank was awarded several service medals in addition to earning his high school GED.

Following his honorable discharge from the United States Navy in 1967, Frank returned to Casper, Wyoming where he met and married the love of his life, Gloria. The couple had four children: Anthony, Ortencio, Michael, and Veroneca. Using the G.I. Bill, Frank enrolled at the University of Wyoming and earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. His first job was in Rawlins, Wyoming, where he taught for 3 years before being hired in Greely, Colorado. In addition to working full-time as a teacher, Frank earned a Master's degree from the University of Colorado. A master's degree, all from a kid who didn't finish high school.

In 1983 Frank was hired by the Department of Defense to teach ESL (English as a second language) kids at the Military School in Clark Air Force base in the Philippines which he opened and operated and proudly named the "Language House" until Mount Pinatubo volcano erupted and covered the base in up to 3+ feet of ash. The roof of Frank's home collapsed, and the family lost everything. Clark Air Force base was a complete loss too, and the base was closed. The Pacheco family was reassigned to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, where Frank became a vice principle. The Pacheco family lived in multiple locations in the Philippines and Japan throughout the 30 years. Frank was also quite the sailor; while in Japan he had a sailboat and sailed all over the coast of Japan and beyond.

After more than 30 years of teaching, Frank retired in 2005. He returned to Casper, Wyoming and bought a motorhome, traveling extensively while towing his beloved VW bug, which he fixed with his own hands. In between traveling and camping, Frank would work as a substitute teacher with the Natrona County School District and later became a bus driver. He could do anything he set his mind to. He loved driving the school bus and was an expert with the kids. Frank drove bus until his health prevented him, and he retired for good.

Frank would get together with his brothers every Saturday for breakfast, where they would catch up on family news, joke, and argue politics. Frank's liberal views could cause arguments with his conservative siblings; you could never win against Frank's smart, savvy, and set ways. His siblings loved every minute of it and will miss him dearly.

We love you, brother. Until we meet again.

Frank was a strong believer in his faith. From being baptized, confirmed, and married - now to be laid to rest through the the Catholic Church.