Obituary of Frank W. MacCracken, Sr.

Frank Willis MacCracken, Sr. passed away peacefully at Bassett Hospital on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.  Frank was born in Davenport, NY on September 26, 1926 to the late Durward Kenneth and Sarah (Graig) MacCracken.

He spent most of his growing up years in Stamford.  He transferred to Davenport in his senior year and graduated from Charlotte Valley Central School.  He worked on the family farm for a short time before entering the Navy in 1944.  Upon his return, he met and married Patricia Ann Moore on June 27, 1949 in Stamford, NY.  They were married for 72 years.

During their years together, Frank worked the dairy farm, the family car dealership and the farm machinery dealership.  He also sold mineral products to dairy farmers.  He shared an avid love of coon hunting with his boys through the years.  They owned some beautiful hound dogs and he would reminisce about those great memories. 

But, in 1967 he had an encounter with the Lord that would forever change the course of his life.  He ended up leaving the farm life and moving to Maryland, NY where he would later found Word of Faith Fellowship.  The church met in their home originally and then when they “outgrew” the house, the church renovated the old “Tiny’s Inn” and started holding services there.  Frank later found out that Tiny’s had originally been a church and he was excited to return the building to its original purpose.  The church continued to meet there until the new building was finished in 1989.  Frank Sr. pastored this church until 1995 and then turned it over to his son, Frank, Jr.  He continued to minister to many people even after retiring.  He remained an elder in the church, continued to preach and was even holding a weekly Bible study in his home every Saturday right up until his passing.  His mind was as sharp as ever and he continued to read, learn, and study God’s word even at the age of 98.

He belonged to a network of churches, Antioch Churches and Ministries, and served as the regional director of New York State.  He loved being able to encourage other pastors to keep going and not give up. 

Frank also was a man who knew and remembered the name of every person he ever met and prayed for them all as well!  He was a constant source of encouragement to all who knew him.  He was giving words of comfort, love and encouragement to his family and friends right up to his last breath.  He loved his family so much.  He has left a great legacy and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-laws, Jack & Laurie MacCracken and Frank Jr.  & Vicki MacCracken; his grandchildren, Bridget & Les Streeter, Benjamin Morris, Elizabeth & Jonathan Cook, Lacey & Kevoy Howard, Lindsey & Jacob Lakomski, Luke MacCracken, Levi MacCracken, Sandra & David Kimberling, Jason & Irina Zollars;  many great grandchildren and a great great granddaughter.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Ann Moore; his daughters Patty Ann MacCracken and Jill MacCracken Morris; his son-in-law, Clark Morris; all his siblings, Durward & June MacCracken, Betty & Les Whipple, Virginia & Richard Tabor, Julia & Ward Jones, and Barbara & George Feather.

A celebration of life will be held at Word of Faith Christian Family Center at 6568 State Highway 7 in Maryland, NY on Saturday, May 10th at 3:00 PM.  Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 1:00-3:00 PM. 

Frank’s family would like to thank all the care givers that have helped keep Dad home over the past few years.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the MacCracken family.