Frank Lara was born on February 5, 1933 and passed away on July 27, 2021.

Frank was a member of the Yurok Tribe. He worked as a logger for most of his life. He had many special interests, including model airplanes, photography and sewing. He used to sew special garments for his mother, and he received an official letter of gratitude from the U.S. Air Force for his research on airplanes.

He was a historian of local Indian culture, traditions and family ties. He could tell you who was related to who all along the Klamath River and along the coast.

One of his most favorite sports was boxing. Frank loved boxing. He kept scrapbooks of local boxing news and could tell you about many different fighters from across the world, including local boxers.

Frank participated on the Yurok Tribe’s Culture Committee, NAGPRA Committee, and attended Yurok language classes at Potawot Health Village where he also shared his knowledge about the Yurok culture. Like his mother, he was well-read and had knowledge about many different topics. He was well loved and respected by those who knew him.

Frank is survived by his sons, Franklin Lara, Dale Lara, Pete Lara (Kim Lara), and Corbett Lara; his daughters, Francis Lara and Margaret “Muffin” Moore (Floyd Moore); his stepson, Dale Visser; his brothers, Walt Lara Sr. (Callie Lara) and Albert Lara; and his sisters Jeanette Jones, Cecilia Lara-McCullough (Ed McCullough), and Mercy Garcia. He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Morek Jimmy and Josephine Marks; his mother Margaret Marks Lara; his father Salvador Lara; his brothers Salvador Jr., David, and Richard Lara, his baby daughter Morning Dawn Lara, his wife Leah Lara, his granddaughter Samantha Ward, his son in-law Vernon “Pro” Ward Jr., and his nephew, Beau Bevier.

Graveside services will be held at the Family Cemetery on Oosamich Hill, south of Orick on Sunday, August 1 at 3 p.m. The family requests that you practice physical/social distancing with your pods and family, and wear a mask during the services or when you are close to or near elders and children. If you have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19 please send your condolences. Sanitation station will be available at the entrance to the cemetery. Thank you for your continued love and support.

Pallbearers: Walt Lara III, Ernie Albers Jr., Jasper Hostler IV, Michael Jones Jr., Marcus Jones, Mathew Jones, Everett “Bronc” Colegrove, Morek Jimmy Marks Eller, Justin Woods, Albert Lara, Jose “Marcelino” Garcia, Richard Gonzalez, Josh Parker, David Lara, and Albert Lara.

Honorary Pallbearers: Nick Mercado, Donald McCovey, Brad Thrasher, Dale Visser, Everett “Tweet” Colegrove, Dave Drake, Walt Lara, Jr.

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