By John Dobberstein, Editor
To those who knew him, Franklin David Leinen was as devoted father who cherished his family and proudly served his country.
But they face the unimaginable task of life without him after the 40-year-old combat veteran and Broken Arrow Police Department recruit passed away Sept. 24 during training.
“A once in a lifetime husband, father, and son, Frank’s unique humor, adventurous nature, and loyalty, endeared him to many, but no more than to those who considered him ‘friend,’ ” Leinen’s family said Tuesday in announcing funeral arrangements. “His devotion to his wife will endure throughout eternity.
“Whether on the shooting range, in the woods, or on a deer stand, Frank’s appetite for the outdoors, especially with his girls, was a defining part of who he was.”
Leinen is survived by his loving wife Alison Leinen; beautiful daughters, Madison and London; parents Dawn and Jodie DeArmon; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dana and Joseph Paliotta; and grandfather, Bill Leinen.
Born on March 21, 1985, in Oklahoma City, Frank answered his call to serve at an early age, enlisting as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne for the U.S. Army, where he would go on to serve multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan while earning various military honors, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Global War and Terrorism Service Medal and many others. He also served as a volunteer police officer while stationed at Fort Sill.
Leinen continued supporting the global war on terror as an overseas contractor in Afghanistan under the U.S. State Department. Following his honorable discharge, continued his desire to drive and was accepted into the Broken Arrow Police Department’s competitive training academy as a recruit.
“Frank’s legacy is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to his country, his community, and above all, his family. He leaves behind a legacy not just of service, but of love, laughter, and fierce loyalty,” his family said.
“Though his absence is deeply felt, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched, the values he upheld, and the memories shared by all who knew and loved him.
Frank is preceded in death by grandmother, Kathy Leinen; great grandparents, Al and Kathleen Cagle; grandmother, Gwen DeArmon; uncle, Jim Risley; grandmother-in-law and father-in-law Annette and Joseph Paliotta Sr.; grandfather, J.W. Johns; and aunt, Robyn Paliotta. Also survived by sister, Marissa Kamphaus and her husband Brent Kamphaus; aunt, Emily Mota and her husband Jacob Mota; aunt, Deanna Risley; uncle, Billy Leinen and wife Angie Leinen; brothers-in-law, Joseph Paliotta and Anthony Paliotta.
Visitation and interment will take place at Floral Haven Cemetery.
Public visitation hours are Oct. 1, 2025, from 4-7 p.m.and Oct. 2 from 1-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 3 at First Baptist Church Broken Arrow. Interment, including graveside services, will follow immediately. Attendees are encouraged to wear informal attire.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Broken Arrow Police Foundation in honor of Frank.
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