Frank Barnes was an
enterprising young man who, as they say, burnt his candle at both ends. During his short
life, he accomplished more than many can accomplish during a long life, while always
maintaining a delightful sense of humor. For awhile he was conductor of the Dodge City
symphony orchestra, and he composed several pieces for these concerts. His compositions
received national recognition. During World War II, he was not only the town's only
doctor, he also was doctor for the military base at Fort Dodge and the military arsenal
outside Dodge City. In 1946, when the Arkansas River experienced the worst flooding in a
century, he received honors for gallant efforts in helping flood victims receive typhoid
shots. Even amidst the professional pleasures, he also found time to fish, hunt, collect
guns and otherwise enjoy life. On one of Bob Hope's road shows in Dodge City, Frank
appeared as Hope's sidekick. He also received letters from the White House his friend
William Hassett was secretary to President Truman. However, Frank's candle burned out in
1949; he died from a combination of overwork and overplay. |
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