Frank Preston LeMaster

Frank Preston LeMaster, age 71, husband of Marylou Robinson of  Birchrunville, PA died suddenly on Friday, March 24, 2023.  
 
Born on March 12, 1952 in Nonesuch (Lexington), Kentucky he was a son of the late James Leroy and Hermalee (Preston) LeMaster.
 
Frank received a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Kentucky where he played football from 1970 to 1974.   
 
He was drafted by the Eagles from the University of  Kentucky in the fourth round of the 1974 NFL Draft.  After spending his rookie year as a backup, he moved into the starting lineup in 1975 and didn’t leave until he retired after the 1982 season.  From 1974 through 1982, He played 129 of a possible 129 games and 136 in a row including the playoffs. From 1975 through 1982, he started 115 of a possible 115 games.  He was one of only four NFL linebackers to play in every game from 1974 through 1982 and one of only two to start every game from 1975 through 1982.  He played in the 1980 Super Bowl and in the 1981 NFL Pro Bowl.  After he retired from football, Frank was Regional Sales Manager for FieldTurf, which manufactures and installs athletic fields.    

Frank was always an Eagle but football wasn’t all that defined him.  He loved life and he loved Kentucky where his character was shaped.  His father had him paint every fence pole at the Spendthrift Horse Farm that he managed. Frank knew hard work.  He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and the sound of silence.  He loved his bourbon and his stories and the time he spent with good friends and family.

He was a loving father who cherished the time spent with his three boys Justin, Brennan and Alexander. Whether teaching them the traits and values essential to one day mature into good men like Honesty, Respect, Courage, Integrity, and Kindness, or he was out playing in what he simply called God's Country hunting, fishing and camping with his boys, or him just being content hearing the sounds of his boys infectious giggling after just telling them one of his many enthralling and almost always comedic stories, Frank truly loved being with his three sons, and was fortunate enough to watch them grow from his little boys into the good, kind and decent men they are today. Grandchildren became a loving addition to his world and he always wanted more time with them.  

Travel with Marylou was part of recent years where he could explore the history of Europe, the expanse of Canada and the wildlife of Africa.  Curiosity was the real driving force of Frank’s life.  He always wanted to know more and to experience the wonders the world could offer.  Reading the newspaper and debating great issues of the day, along with replaying a few of those big football moments kept his friends and new acquaintances enthralled.   There was nothing small about Frank - he lived and loved large.

In addition to Marylou, Frank is survived by sons:  Justin and wife Ericka LeMaster, Brennan LeMaster, & Alexander LeMaster;  grandchildren:  Jake LeMaster, Ryan LeMaster, Delaney Naturale, & Dylan Naturale; step-daughter:  Devin wife of  Daniel Naturale; and brother, James LeMaster.
 
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Frank's Memorial Service at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 2440 Conestoga Road (Route 401), Chester Springs, PA  on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 11:00 am.  

Visitation at the church will begin at 10:00 am.
 
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Boston University CTE Research at <https://trusted.bu.edu/s/1759/2-bu/giving/interior.aspx?sid=1759&gid=2&pgid=422&cid=1060&dids=116&appealcode=WEBMED-DV>  
Frank donated his brain for the important CTE research underway there. In addition, contributions can be made to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Amy Vermeil Bio-Chemical Genetics Research Fund, care of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA  19178-1352.