In remembrance: Frank Julian

March 10, 1943 — Oct. 15, 2024

Frank Henry Julian, beloved husband, father, and educator, passed away on October 15, 2024, in DeLand, Florida, after an 11-year battle with ALS. Born on March 10, 1943, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Frank was known for his sharp intellect, deep love for family, and unwavering commitment to his career in education. His warmth and humor filled any room he entered, making him a cherished presence in both his personal and professional life.

Frank’s academic journey began at West Virginia University, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and Doctor of Jurisprudence. His career spanned several leadership roles: he started as an attorney for the state of West Virginia, then transitioned into higher education, serving as Financial Aid Director and Dean of Students at Marshall University. He later became Vice President of West Virginia Institute of Technology and eventually Vice President of Student Affairs at Murray State University, where he left a lasting legacy by helping to establish the Murray State student center. While at Murray State, Frank was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Kenya, where he not only advanced international educational exchanges but also conducted community workshops on sustainable gardening practices. He later became a full professor of pre-law at Murray State, winning the Distinguished Professor Award.

Frank was a man of many passions. He loved golf, played racquetball almost daily during his tenure at Murray State, and was an avid skier and scuba diver. Gardening was another of his great joys, and his homes were always surrounded by beautiful landscapes that he carefully nurtured. Frank also had a deep love for Stetson University sports, but above all, he treasured time spent with his family—especially his two daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.

Frank is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol Slicer Julian; his daughter, Melanie Julian, her husband Lane Savadove, and their daughter, Emmeline Savadove; his daughter Meredith Julian Mahaney, her husband Kevin Mahaney, and their son, Arthur Brophy. He is also survived by his sisters, Lois Closson, Celeste West (husband Leon West), Doryce Swing (husband Tom Swing), and Candy Van Staveren, as well as his stepmother, Chelsea Julian. He was preceded in death by his siblings April Julian and Darryl Julian.

Frank faced ALS with the same determination that marked his entire life. As his family wrote: “He didn’t experience every day of that damned awful disease with optimism and joy, but he remained more positive and determined than I think many of us would if faced with that diagnosis. He adapted his life to each new challenge—with a huge amount of help, dedication, and love from my mom.”

Before ALS, Frank was the loudest laugh in the room, dancing and singing with abandon. In addition to skiing, scuba diving, golfing and racquetball he even tried hang-gliding before a mishap put that pastime to rest. He built his own dulcimers and kayak, and he grew gardens that fed and beautified his homes. He cherished his dog, Cleo, and his cat, Aspen. Frank was a devoted father, coaching his daughters in sports, playing golf, baseball and tennis with them, and sharing his love for the outdoors. His wisdom and humor were felt by everyone who knew him, and his love for his family and students knew no bounds.

“We have to live every single moment to the best of our ability because life goes by so, so fast,” Frank once said, and he embodied that belief. His thirst for knowledge and passion for sharing ideas endured until the end.

Frank Henry Julian’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.