Frank Armiger

James Franklin Armiger Jr., affectionately known as Frank, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024. Frank was born August 22, 1934 in Pindell, MD, to the late James F. Armiger, Sr., and Irma Elizabeth (nee Catterton) Armiger. He was raised on a tobacco farm and was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church until 1961. He was preceded in death by his brother W. Donald Armiger, Sr., sisters-in-law Ella (David) Hopkins, Sr., Dottie (Howard) Thieme and Margaret "Cookie" Entzian; and, brother-in-law, Larry M. Slauson.

Frank started his formal education at the Tracey’s Landing School and went on to graduate from Southern High School in 1952. While at Southern, he was a member of the Future Farmers of America, even winning farmer of the year in 1951.  Frank enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and served honorably until 1956. During his time in the Army, he served as a military policeman at Redstone Arsenal and Fort Campbell, among other location. Frank began working with the guard force at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in 1956. In 1960, he met the love of his life, Carrie M. Entzian, and on May 27, 1961 they wed and began their life together in Mitchellville, MD, where they raised their 2 girls. They were married for 61 years before Carrie’s passing on February 26, 2023.

While at the Naval Academy, Frank transitioned to the fire department in 1962 becoming a firefighter / EMT. While fighting a fire in 1981 at 16 Porter Road, Frank was injured and his days fighting fires ended. After recovering from his injuries, he returned to the Naval Academy as a fire inspector, until retiring in 1986. In his retirement he enjoyed spending time with family, farming, gardening, going to church, meeting his friends for coffee, Saturday lunch dates with his daughter, Jennifer and grandson, Emerson, and helping others. Frank was a member of First Lutheran Church of Bowie since 1961, where he served as president of the congregation for 4 years and was actively involved in many activities and groups, and loved serving his Lord.

Frank had a love for many sports including soccer, football, softball and baseball.  He was an avid Washington Redskins and Nationals fan and enjoyed watching games with his family. Frank began playing softball in 1970, where he played and captained teams for over 30 years in the Bowie Interfaith Recreational Council, the Beltway League, and the National Senior Olympics. Frank also loved hunting and was proud to have a lifetime hunting license for Maryland. He was a member of the Davidsonville Ruritan Club for 37+ years where over the years he served as president, chairman of several bull roasts and anniversary celebrations, cooking at Homestead Gardens, and many other positions.  He proudly received the Tom Downing award from the Lothian Ruritan Club in 2005.  Frank was also chairman and one of the founders of the scholarship committee at the Davidsonville Ruritan Club for 20+ years, raising over $140K from 1988 to 2008.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Lisa Armiger (Gary) Bednarik and Jennifer (Erik) Armiger-Baten; adoring grandchildren, Sarah Bednarik, Erik II and Emerson Baten, all of Mitchellville, MD. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Linda Armiger and Betty Slauson; cherished nephews and nieces Donnie, Marilyn, Wayne, Dale, Mark, Keith, Donald and Julie; lifelong friend, Bud Marshall, dearest cousin Bobby Maenner, and a host of loving relatives and good friends.

A memorial service is being planned for the spring. Memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s name to First Lutheran Church of Bowie – Building Improvements.