Franklin D. Trent's Obituary
Franklin was born in Welsh, Louisiana on February 14, 1944 to the parents of Samuel and Elnora Trent. After moving at age 6 with his parents and 4 siblings to Oakland, CA, he always enjoyed school and was an eager learner.Following his graduation from Castlemont High School, he joined the US Navy in 1962. He earned rankings as medical corpsman and psychiatric technician.He met and married his wife Emma in 1963, till death do us part. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy base in Great Lakes, Illinois, they returned to the Bay Area.His education endeavors include: Bachelor of Science degree (Human Relations), California Institute of Integral Health Cal State, Hayward (Certificate in Chemical Dependency), and Notre Dame College in Belmont, CA.Frank’s past employments include: Delivery truck driver, insurance salesmen, General Motors, Sanmina Tool and Die Company, Villa Fairmont, Agnews Developmental Center, CWA Union President and Alameda County HISS.He has made good will tours to New Deli, India and Zimbabwe, Africa. He was an avid reader that included a myriad of religions, and relished Tai Chi, meditation practices and writings of Buddha.He enjoyed home get-togethers with friends and family including playing in the background smooth jazz, rap and hip hop. Along with lively conversations, he loved games of chess, cards and dominoes. Frank enjoyed trips to Clearlake and Las Vegas, and venturing to Reno to “hit the slot machines” and “pay me dues” was his forte.He was a kind and gentle soul, opening his home to all. He will be missed by his loving wife Emma, his brother Fred (Sharrone) nephews: Carlos, (Cindy), Michael, Elizabeth, Clarence, (LaWanda), nieces Barbara, Carolyn (Andrew), and a host of great and great-great nephews and nieces as well as his “long time buddies” King, Arnold, Dickie and Leonard.Thus he leaves us on his final journey with peace, love and dignity. Good night, Frank. You’ve earned it. His memorable quotes: “Live and let live”, “There are many different stairways leading to Heaven”.Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister Roberta, his brothers Sam Jr. and John.In the words of Franklin D. Trent ~~~ “I have worked extensively with children that are emotionally or developmentally disabled. My lifetime goal has been to gain as much knowledge as possible; to assist me in facilitating the growth of individuals that I work with. Metaphorically; I compare myself to a gardener: I plant the seeds and watch them grow. I provide adequate water, sunlight, and food. I remove the weeds and protect them from the elements. At harvest time I admire their beauty, and prepare the soil for the next crop. “
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