Lt Col Frank J. Harvan (USAF ret.), born June 16, 1928, passed peacefully in his home in Union Township September 18th, 2019. Frank, learned to fly at the New Castle Airport during his teens and being from modest means, washed airplanes to pay for flight time. He graduated New Castle High School, Class of 1947 and joined the US Air Force. Shortly after joining, the Korean War broke out and he flew in combat narrowly escaping death many times. Many years later Frank kept the bullet on his dresser which penetrated his P-51 Fighter aircraft and his parachute but some how God spared him and caused only minor burns. He quickly rose in rank and earned his first Distinguished Flying Cross for flying cover and directing the rescue of a fellow pilot who was shot down. Col Harvan served with distinction in both Korea and Vietnam, he was part of United States aviators with "The Right Stuff" advancing aviation from prop driven aircraft to the Jet age, breaking the sound barrier with his classmate Buzz Aldrin. Col Harvan served this country in a liaison capacity with The Royal Air Force in Great Britain during the Cold War standardizing the Atlas Missile system, which was also used to launch astronauts in the Mercury & Gemini space programs. After 22 years of service, he retired from the Air force as the director of Operations at Oxnard Air Force Base earning two distinguished flying crosses, the air medal, the distinguished service medal, and many other awards and commendations. He returned to New Castle to build his dream home on one of his boyhood haunts and raise his family with his beloved wife Loise. Col Harvan continued his passion for aviation while he flew corporate business jets with Beckett Aviation of Youngstown Ohio. Frank was very active in the Lawrence County Republican Party and attempted a bid for state representative. Frank was a member of Rotary, VFW, and Scottish Rite Masonic lodge. Frank & Loise were members of Clen–Moore Presbyterian Church. He loved collecting art and antiques and was an accomplished artist in his own right and his works were often on display at the Hoyt Art Center. He is remembered as jovial, with quick wit, always ready to tell a funny story, usually about his time in the Air Force. Frank was fiercely independent; he maintained his aura of US Air Force fighter pilot to the end. He was preceded in death by parents Cecelia and Joseph, brother Albert, his loving wife of 61 years Loise. He is survived by his sister Rose Carlin, his three children Chris (Barbara), John, and Meredith (Ramona), and grand children Matthew, Malecia, and Deanna, plus 7 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle. A funeral service, with the Rev. Michael Spicuzza of Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church will be announced at a later date. Col Harvan will be laid to rest beside his wife in Arlington National Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.