"The Show Must go On!"

Article written by:  Terri Wykoff

ABOVE Photograph:  Frank (age 68)  arrived at Jerry Wilson's Restaurant without  any sign of  his oxygen tanks nor his dependency on that oxygen 24  hours a day.

Prior to Frank Wykoff's arrival at Jerry Wilson's  restaurant, El Gordo  in the San Gabriel Valley, CA --  there  was a storm of fury and arguments at his home between his concerned wife,  Ethel Mae, and himself over his  irresponsible  decision to ignore his medical needs and doctor's orders to bring his needed oxygen tanks to his Hall of Fame Indoctrination ceremony.

How the story began ...

Frank was suffering from a serious case  of emphysema; and felt insecure leaving  the close security of  LaVina Hospital in Arcadia, California -- where he was a  frequent patient.  

Frank became depressed.  He received notice by the National Track and Field Hall of Fame Committee that he was chosen that year to be indoctrinated into the Hall of  Fame, but  he didn't want anyone to know he was too sick to travel to Charleston, West Virginia to personally accept that great honor; and simply wrote that he would be unable to attend due to his wife's ill health and inability to travel.

Frank  then received a call from his friend,   Jerry Wilson, who advised him  that he and his friends  planned to have Frank honored close to his home in  Alhambra;  and that  Jesse Owens himself was to do the honors to officially assist in indoctrinating him.

It was after that telephone call that Frank perked up -- until he recalled that he was ordered to wear oxygen tubes in his nose day and night -- due to the fact that he only had 10% lung capacity left in each lung.  Not wanting anyone -- especially reporters, to ever see him in such a pathetic state of health, he decided to practice breathing without the assistance of  his needed  oxygen tanks.   Frank was determined to attend his Hall of  Fame ceremony  without any noticeable sign of dependency on any life supporting aid.

Frank & Ethel Mae COMPROMISE.

  Ethel Mae called Jerry on the phone, and Jerry convinced Frank to bring the oxygen tanks -- assuring Frank that  someone would  hide the tanks in Jerry's  office in case Frank needed a fast boost of breath.

Frank was a nervous wreck upon arrival -- terrified someone would see the oxygen tanks being rolled into the restaurant making him appear as if he was on his death bed.  He became increasingly agitated -- growling at his family until he entered the restaurant;  and like magic, suddenly there was a big smile on his face to look his best for the photographer.

He finally calmed down enough to enjoy the party as best he could.

Neither Frank Wykoff nor Jesse Owens knew at that moment in time (1977) that they would both exit earthly life the same year (1980).  Frank passed away first on January 1, 1980 -- Frank's wife, Ethel Mae followed Frank on February 2, 1980, and Jesse Owens departed March, 1980.