Frank Major

Frank Adam Major, age 91, passed away from cancer on January 10 at Journey Care
Hospice.
He is survived by his three loving daughters, Robin Lundstrum (the late Jack), Suzanne
Barber (Mike), and Nancy Major (Jim Williams); five grandchildren, Elizabeth
Lundstrum, Laura Nelli (Cameron High), Sarah Barber, Wesley Barber (Bianca), and
Emily Barber; one great-grandchild, Elisa De Moura Barber; his brother Bobby Major
(Linn), and his sister Rosalie Webb (Ralph).
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth A. “Betty” Major (nee Westcott); his
parents, Roscoe and Anna (nee Hunkler) Major; his brothers, Jack Major and Ross Major;
and his sisters, Helen Jeanne Marks (the late John) and Naomi Watson (Tee).
Born on April 18, 1925 in Oak Park, IL, Frank was the third child of seven. He graduated
from Morgan Park Military Academy in 1942 and enlisted in the Army Air Force at 18,
earning his wings as Second Lieutenant on B24 and B29 bombers. He attended the
University of Buffalo on the GI Bill of Rights and earned his B.A. in 1949. Frank met
Betty in 1946, and they married on February 7, 1948; they were three days short of their
66th wedding anniversary when Betty passed.
Frank joined Major Equipment Company, a pioneer in stage lighting, in 1949, and
became president in 1957. Early in his business career, he joined the Young Presidents’
Organization (YPO) and became the chairman of the Chicago chapter in 1970. Frank was
well-known for his quick wit, skill at cards, and love of the Big Band Music of the 1930s
and 1940s. A member of the North Shore Country Club for 50 years, Frank enjoyed golf,
fishing, and horse-racing. His life-long passions were his family, especially time spent
with them at their summer home “Green Acres” in Michigan.
The family has a special thank you for his loving caregiver, Maria Rodriquez.
Services will be private. Contributions in his memory may be made to Journey
Care of Glenview.

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