Ernest "Frank" Stockton, age 87, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Frank was born on May 27, 1939, in Fresno, California, the only child of Robin and Lorena Stockton. He grew up in Calwa, where his curiosity, energy, and love for life began to shine early. He attended Longfellow Junior High and Roosevelt High School, where he played varsity baseball and later went on to play professionally for a short time in Arizona. Frank had many passions, including music, sports, fast cars, and anything that gave him the chance to build, compete, or connect with others. As a young man, he rebuilt his first car, a 1940 Ford Coupe, alongside his step-grandfather, Harry Schwartz. He also formed a quartet with friends called The Del Reys, who were discovered by Warner Bros. and signed to a record deal. His love of automobiles stayed with him throughout his life. He built race cars, owned an interest in the Valley Fever dragster, spent weekends racing in Raisin City, and even had one of his race cars featured in Blackie Gejeian's Autorama. That passion eventually led him into a career with Goodyear Tires, where he became a Regional Sales Representative for the truck tire division.

In June 1957, Frank married Billie McLaughlin, and together they had two children. After their divorce in 1976, he married Shirley (née McGee) Smith, welcoming three stepchildren into his life. Frank and Shirley built a full and meaningful life together, surrounded by family, dear friends, travel, and many happy memories. One of Frank's greatest joys was golf. As a longtime member of Belmont Country Club, he enjoyed not only the game but also the lasting friendships he made there.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Robin and Lorena Stockton.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Bob Kaufmann; granddaughter Jennifer Lopez and her husband, Jesse; great-grandchildren Bailey, Kaiden, and Alexander Wynne, and Ryder and Hunter Lopez; granddaughter Victoria Nelson and great-grandchildren Byron and Tyler Nelson; his son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Denise Stockton; grandson Ryan Stockton and his wife, Christina; great-grandchildren Colby, Peyton, Rylee Stockton and Ryan and Tristan Stockton; step-granddaughter Kelly Bryant and great-grandson Sabian Bryant; stepdaughter Andrea Wheeless and her husband, Scott; grandson Brett Wheeless and his wife, Chelsey, and great-grandsons Cash and Hayes Wheeless; grandson Jack Wheeless and his wife, Kortney; stepson Greg Smith and his wife, Belinda; grandsons Andrew Smith and Mathew Smith; great-granddaughter Ryland Smith; granddaughter Madelyn Dela Cruz and her husband, Travis; stepdaughter Shelley Buckley and her husband, Mitchell; grandson Jordan Buckley and his wife, Hailey, and great-grandsons Jaxon and Wyatt Buckley; grandson Zachary Buckley and his wife, Addie, and great-granddaughter Kollyns Buckley; and granddaughter Claire Buckley. Frank's family was a source of great pride and happiness throughout his life.

Frank will be remembered for his many talents, his stories, his friendships, and the love he shared with those closest to him. May his memory bring comfort and peace to all who knew and loved him. A memorial service will be held on June 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM Clovis Funeral Chapel, 1302 Clovis Ave., Clovis, CA 93612 with a Buffett Luncheon to follow at Belmont Country Club  8253 E Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93737